The Star News

As you'll discover in this month's newsletter, the school year is off to a successful start for our students and staff! Students are reading, writing, and discussing relevant material in every class, every day as part of engaging lessons, inspiring them to flex their creativity. Staff are inspiring and supporting our students and are being recognized for their work, as you'll read later.

We encourage you to "like" or follow your school and/or RCPS on social media to stay up to date on all these amazing accomplishments. In addition, be sure to join your school's PTA and stay connected to learn about resources and upcoming events!

Thank you for your continued support of Roanoke City Public Schools!

RCPS Family,

As we settle into the school year and welcome fall, we've already seen our students and staff excel inside and outside the classroom. Our students are leading class discussions, conducting science experiments, and reading and writing every day. Outside the classroom, students are staying connected and engaged through extracurricular activities, and their hard work is showcasing how we are better when we work together.

Last month, for example, the Patrick Henry and William Fleming Marching Bands worked together to host 11 marching bands from across Virginia for the second annual Star City Classic. Meanwhile, hundreds of our William Fleming students volunteered during the Special Olympics Big Feet Meet hosted at their school. This is what we mean when we say #WeAreOne!

Our staff are supporting students in achieving their goals and are being recognized for their hard work. Roanoke Valley Governor's School Counselor Kathy Sebolt recently received the Yale Educator Award, and next month we will recognize our schools' Teachers of the Year!

I do want to take a moment to thank all of you who have talked with your students about the seriousness of making threats. As a mom and as superintendent, it is important to me that our students and staff not only feel safe but are safe. That starts with all of us — parents, students, and staff — working together in solidarity. As Chief Roman stated in the joint video message that can be viewed above, all threats, whether intentional or as a joke, are taken seriously and may be punishable by law.

As a reminder, if you are not receiving your school's robocalls, please contact your school to ensure your phone number is correct or that it hasn’t been deactivated. We want to make sure you can receive these important messages and stay connected to RCPS and your school.

I wish you and your family a happy fall!

Sincerely,
Verletta B. White
Superintendent

Students will be dismissed two hours early on Friday, October 21.

To highlight the importance of PTAs, Pam Banks, President of Roanoke Central Council PTA, recently answered some FAQs about how students, staff, and families benefit:

1. Why should I join the PTA, and how does it benefit students, staff, and parents/guardians?

With schools facing challenges like shrinking budgets and lack of educational equity, PTA is more important than ever. The PTA provides programs on strengthening family-school partnerships, and free resources for members on issues and areas such as health & safety and STEM. The PTA can also advocate on behalf of children and educators at the local, state and national levels.

2. How do I join my school's PTA?

If you are not familiar with the PTA board for your child's school, please reach out to the school's office, and they will be happy to share board members' contact information, the fee for membership, and the link to join online.

3. How much does it cost to join?

Membership fees vary by school and type of membership, but it is inexpensive. Single parent/guardian memberships generally range from $5-7. Please contact your school for more information.

4. What do the fees go toward?

The monies that you pay for membership support these programs and many more. With the collected pool of funds, we're able to take a little and make it into much more to promote child advocacy.

5. What if I can’t make it to many PTA meetings? Should I still join?

You should absolutely still join PTA! Coming together in support of our students is one of the most important things we can do. PTA allows you to do this and also gives you a network of support at your child’s school, even if your schedule doesn’t allow you to come to all the meetings.

Have a question about PTA or Family & Community Engagement?

Anthony Frazier, Director of Family Engagement & Special Programs

P: (540) 853.1359 | E: CommunityEngagement@rcps.info

Twitter: @AnthonyFrazier

• If you aren’t receiving robocalls, your phone number may be deactivated or incorrect in the RCPS mass notification system. Please contact your child’s school to ensure you continue receiving these important messages. In addition, if you have moved, make sure to provide your new address to the school as well.
  

• Need help resolving an issue that impacts student learning, the school-work environment, or understanding how RCPS works and where to go for assistance? The RCPS Constituent Services Office may be able to help! Click here for more information.

• 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.
• 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.