Back-to-School 2026

It's almost time for the new school year to begin, and we can't wait to welcome our students for another fantastic year! This helpful resource provides families with a wealth of back-to-school information.

INCLUDED IN THIS BULLETIN

• Returning student registration

• Important dates
• School supply lists (PreK-7th)
• Bus routes
• RCHS Chromebook checkout process
• A message from our School Nutrition Department
• Meet our newest members of the RCPS faculty
• Happenings & Highlights

Returning Student Registration is now open! Please be sure to complete registration before Meet-the-Teacher Day on Monday, August 10th, so that students may receive their schedules. When completing the forms, please make sure that all CONTACT INFORMATION (phone number and email address) is accurate and up-to-date. This is vital to ensure that we can reach you in the event of an emergency. We look forward to welcoming our Panthers back to school!

To begin registration, visit the Parent Portal Link: https://rappahannock.powerschool.com/public/

HELPFUL RESOURCES

If more information on how to complete the forms, check out our helpful resources below.

Parent Portal Account User Guide

How to Complete Forms in the PowerSchool Parent Portal

PowerSchool Parent Portal- Creating Account and Completing Forms in the Portal

For additional assistance, please contact our school offices.

RCES- 540-227-0200

RCHS- 540-227-0745

We are excited to welcome our families for Meet the Teacher Day on Monday, August 10th! This will be held from 1-4 pm & 5-7 pm at both schools. Additionally, RCES is hosting a Back-to-School Bash from 1-4 pm & 5-7 pm and a PreK & Kindergarten Jump Start from 2-3 pm. RCHS is holding a required 8th grade orientation in the RCHS Auditorium from 5:30-6:30 pm.

Then, on Wednesday, August 12th, we will officially welcome our Panthers for the 1st Day of School!

RCES Families-- View the PreK- 7th grade school supplies list by clicking the button below.

To view the SY26-27 school bus routes, visit https://content.myconnectsuite.com/api/documents/c7a84e78b9e84b26ac5f181d67bbd8ba.pdf

Beginning with the 2026–2027 school year, Rappahannock County High School will implement a new Chromebook checkout process designed to reduce unstructured screen time on school-issued devices while continuing to support student learning. Classroom Chromebooks will be available for student use during each class as needed. Students who need a Chromebook to complete school-related homework assignments may check one out through the library for overnight use. This process is intended to ensure that school-issued devices are used primarily to support structured academic learning. Students enrolled in online or off-site courses or programs will continue to be assigned a dedicated device for use both in and out of school as required by their coursework. Additional information about the Chromebook checkout process, including eligibility and procedures, will be shared before implementation.

As a friendly reminder, beginning with the 2026-2027 school year, Rappahannock County Public Schools will return to the traditional school meal program after three years of participating in the federal Community Eligibility Provision (CEP), which provided free breakfast and lunch to all students regardless of household income. This was not an easy decision. To learn more, please visit https://www.rappahannockschools.us/meals2026 This helpful FAQ page provides a wealth of information, including details about Free and Reduced-Price Meals and the new Panther Meal Bridge program, a locally funded assistance program designed to support families who do not qualify for federal free or reduced-price meals but for whom the cost of school meals creates a genuine financial hardship.

APPLY FOR FREE AND REDUCED ONLINE by visiting LINQ Connect. https://linqconnect.com/public/meal-application/new

Additionally, free and reduced paper applications may be found at the School Nutrition website https://www.rappahannockschools.us/meals2026 or may be picked up at the School Board Office.

We will continue to use the LINQ Connect program this school year. To add money for meals or check your student's balance, visit LINQ Connect.

Rappahannock County Public Schools welcomed new faculty for the new teacher orientation on July 30th. The group of new educators also included several familiar faces, with three former teachers returning to Rappahannock County Public Schools. Among them are two longtime Rappahannock County High School veterans - Mr. Scott Stephens (Mathematics) and Ms. Sheila Lamb (English). Additionally, RCHS alumni, Tori Atkins (RCES 2nd Grade) and Wade Norman (RCHS PE), have returned to Rappahannock, this time as faculty, to teach the new generation of Panthers.

Back (L-R)- Marley Rowell, Wade Norman, ReShawn Feldmeyer, Lexi St. John, Virginia Brown, Tori Akins, Emily Moore

Middle (L-R) Dr. Shanna McComb, Daffney Brown, Camille Cruzan, Leanna Aylor, John Fleming, Matthew Pereira

Front (L-R) Dawn Schick, Samantha Jenkins, Sheila Lamb

Not Pictured: Ellen Grimsley, Natasha Bremmerman, and Scott Stephens

Photo by Holly Jenkins

Rappahannock County Elementary School

Tori Atkins - 2nd Grade Teacher

Tori Atkins is excited to begin her first year of teaching at Rappahannock County Elementary School. She graduated from James Madison University in December with a bachelor's degree in elementary education. Ms. Atkins grew up in Rappahannock County and is especially honored to return to the same school she attended as a student. She's passionate about creating a positive welcoming classroom where every child feels valued, supported and excited to learn.

Leanna Aylor- RCES Instructional Aide

Leanna Aylor graduated from Liberty University in May 2026 with a degree in Developmental Psychology. Outside of work, you may find her reading and learning more about the sciences.

Virginia Brown- RCES Special Education Aide

Virginia Brown has been a dedicated substitute teacher with Rappahannock County Public Schools for the past four years. As the parent of four RCPS students, ages 10, 9, 8, and 6, she has a strong connection to the school community and a deep commitment to student success. Ms. Brown holds an Associate of Applied Science degree and is excited to make a positive impact in the lives of students each day.

Camille Cruzan- 4th Grade Teacher

Camille Cruzan joins RCES with over three years of classroom experience. As a former Special Education Learning Support Teacher, she is skilled in offering differentiated instruction and fostering inclusive environments where all students can thrive. Ms. Cruzan is a graduate of Liberty University and the University of Phoenix.

Ms. Cruzan and her husband are recent empty nesters. They are enjoying traveling and being grandparents.

Ellen Grimsley- RCES Aide

Ellen Grimsley is an Instructional Assistant with 9 years of experience in education in the fields of Special Education and Speech and Language. Outside of work, she enjoys music, camping, and spending time with family.

Emily Moore- RCES Art Teacher

Emily Moore is an artist and educator born and raised in Richmond, VA. She has always presented an interest in the arts, going from an arts magnet high school (Appomattox Regional Governor’s School) to completing a BFA at VCUarts. Focusing on Fiber arts, painting and mixed media you will always see her creating and exploring new ideas. She has had multiple long term art itinerant positions with Hanover County Public Schools and looks forward to being part of the RCPS family.

Marley Rowell- 7th Grade English

Marley Rowell is a Virginia native and has recently moved from Richmond, VA. After earning her degree from Virginia Tech, she began substitute teaching and quickly realized she loved working in education. In her free time, she enjoys reading, running, and spending time with her two cats.

Dawn Schick- 3rd Grade Teacher

Dawn Schick was born and raised in Northern Virginia and is a graduate of James Madison University. She has worked in the Fairfax County Public Schools since 2012. Two years ago, she and her family moved to the Castleton area, where she has truly enjoyed reconnecting with her family’s roots. Much of her childhood was spent visiting relatives in Sperryville, creating many lasting memories in the region. She is delighted to now call this area home and looks forward to making new memories with friends, her husband, son, daughters, three cats, and their golden retriever!

Rappahannock County High School

Daffney Brown- RCHS Math Teacher

Daffney Brown was born and raised in West Virginia before moving to Virginia with her family in 2012. She is excited to join the RCPS family as an eighth-grade math and algebra teacher, where she is passionate about helping students build confidence and succeed both academically and personally. With experience in both public school and behavioral education settings, she is committed to creating a positive, engaging classroom where every student feels supported, challenged, and inspired to reach their full potential. She looks forward to making a meaningful impact while inspiring a love of mathematics in her students.

ReShawn Feldmeyer- RCHS Special Education Teacher

Originally from Oklahoma, ReShawn Feldmeyer has more than 10 years of experience as a Special Education teacher, serving students at both the elementary and secondary levels. She earned her Psychology degree from Curry College in 2002 and finished her Special Education license through UVA Wise from 2019-2021. Ms. Feldmeyer is passionate about supporting students as they develop the academic, social, and life skills needed for success beyond the classroom.

Ms. Feldmeyer is married to her husband of 11 years, Kurt, and they have two daughters: Savannah, a 2013 graduate of Rappahannock High School, and Addison, who is a senior at Warren County High School this year.

John Fleming- RCHS Band Director

John Fleming is a trumpet player native to North Carolina. He earned a BM in Music Education from East Carolina University. At East Carolina, he played various brass instruments in the Symphonic Band and Wind Ensemble, and conducted the ECU Symphony Orchestra in concert. Prior to moving to Rappahannock County, Mr. Fleming taught middle school band in Eastern NC and is excited to start his new journey at RCHS.

Samantha Jenkins- RCHS Special Education Aide

Samantha Jenkins is thrilled to join RCPS as a Special Education Assistant. Her experience as a substitute teacher strengthened her passion for helping students learn, grow, and gain confidence. She enjoys spending time with her family, supporting her children’s sports/4H activities, and making a positive impact wherever she can.

Sheila Lamb- RCHS English Teacher

Sheila Lamb received an MFA in Creative Writing from Queens University of Charlotte and an M.Ed. from George Mason University. Her short stories have earned Pushcart, Best of the Net, and Story South Million Writers Award nominations. She’s taught English, history, and school library media over the course of her career and loves that she has found a home with the RCPS family.

Dr. Shanna Kaye McComb-Beverage- RCHS Director of Counseling

Dr. Shanna McComb, who served as Rappahannock County High School's interim school counselor last semester, has officially joined the RCHS team as the Director of Counseling. She brings a wealth of experience in education, having served in both school counseling and administrative leadership roles. While serving as Director of Counseling for Prince William County Public Schools, Dr. McComb was honored with the 2024 Shining Star Award, recognizing excellence in leadership, and the 2021 Champion for Children Award for her dedication to supporting students. Most recently, Dr. McComb spearheaded the RCHS 8th Grade Transition Academy, which received outstanding feedback from rising 8th graders for helping students build confidence and prepare for a successful transition to high school.

Wade Norman- RCHS PE Teacher

Wade was born and raised in Rappahannock County. He has been a PE teacher for 13 years in Fauquier and is excited to be coming back home to Rapp! He enjoys spending time with his wife and two children and being outdoors.

Matthew Pereira- RCHS English Teacher

Matthew Pereira is originally from Nokesville, Virginia, and joins Rappahannock County as an English teacher. An experienced educator, coach, and school leader, he previously taught history and believes strong relationships are the foundation of student success. Outside of school, Matthew is a lifelong sports fan who enjoys coaching, spending time with his family, and helping students grow both in and out of the classroom.

Lexi St. John- RCHS Art Teacher

Lexi was born and raised in Alaska before moving with her family to Culpeper Virginia. She enjoys the company of nature and often hikes up in Shenandoah. Throughout her life she worked to grow her own art and has strived to share that passion with younger minds in the educational setting.

Scott Stephens- RCHS Math Teacher

Mr. Stephens, the 2024 RCPS Teacher of the Year, is returning to RCHS this year to teach math. A veteran teacher with over 30 years of classroom experience, including 24 years at RCPS, he has also dedicated many years to serving as a Panther football and track coach.

Check out the all new RCPS Happenings page to view upcoming events, hot topics, newsletters, and more!

Website: www.rappahannockschools.us
Facebook: www.facebook.com/rappahannockcountypublicschools
Instagram: www.instagram.com/_rcps_