Panther Power

As recommended by the School Health Advisory Committee, this monthly newsletter showcases as few of our wellness happenings and provides helpful wellness-related resources for our school family.

The Commit to Be Fit Active Learning in Outdoor Spaces (ALIOS) classes have been having a fantastic, sticky-fun time creating their own bird feeders! Using pine cones, sunflower butter, and bird seed, each student crafted a feeder to take home and hang outdoors. Students also explored a variety of bird feeders displayed in the courtyard, sparking curiosity about our feathered friends and their habitats. This hands-on, exploratory class is made possible through the generous support of the Headwaters, the Rappahannock County Public Education Foundation, Inc. and the PATH Foundation.
Photos by Holly Jenkins

Recently, Ms. Burgiss’ Nutrition and Wellness students participated in an engaging classroom activity. Students examined the benefits and drawbacks of several popular diets, with each student randomly assigned a diet to research. They created a puzzle piece summarizing key information, then worked together to place their pieces on the wall next to others that shared common characteristics.

Students then formed small groups and were given an imaginary scenario in which everyone had to agree on a single diet for the entire world to follow. Each group presented why their selected diet would be the best option for all people. Following the presentations, students engaged in a thoughtful debate and were allowed to join the group they felt had the most appropriate, standardized diet, provided they explained what influenced their decision.

The lesson encouraged students to think critically and broaden their perspectives by considering how different diets affect people across age groups, medical conditions, religious practices, and individual needs.
Photo by Holly Jenkins

In the Farm-to-Table class, sixth- and seventh-grade students are learning how to create a garden from the ground up, including constructing a raised bed.

This program has been made possible by the support of the Headwaters Foundation and the PATH Foundation.

Photos by Holly Jenkins

Students are enjoying a new menu offering: a pizza-inspired bento box! The compartments feature flatbread, scratch-made marinara sauce, mozzarella cheese, and a vegetable. A choice of fruit and milk completes the tasty meal. Stay tuned, as the Nutrition Department plans to expand menu options based on student participation and feedback.
Photos by Holly Jenkins and Erica Robinson

Applied Brain Science and Health is an advanced physical education elective at RCHS that integrates foundational neuroscience, mental health literacy, and principles of wellness to support overall student well-being. Students will investigate how the brain influences physical health, emotional regulation, stress response, and cognitive functioning. The course emphasizes the connection between brain development, behavior, and health-related decision-making.

Recently, students in the Applied Brain Science class explored the Nervous System and were assigned to build a neuron out of playdough so that they could have a replicated in-person visual. Also, the students had the opportunity to create 3-D printed neurons with assistance from Ms. Cooper in the Makerspace.

Photos by Lauren Williams

This new course is taught by Ms. Lauren Williams, along with Ms. Jodi Place and Ms. Erica Jennejahn (not pictured).

Photo by Holly Jenkins

Learn fun facts about the January Harvest of the Month and view a roasted sweet potato recipe by visiting the link below. https://content.myconnectsuite.com/api/documents/35f3dad4a07b4be6b24d639aa2d30f4c.pdf

To view the pdf versions of the images above, please see the attachments below.

Check out the article, "Rappahannock County students, Amissville farmer break Guinness World Record for giant pepper plant" published in the Rappahannock News on January 25, 2026. Written by Ireland Hayes, this article showcases the celebration that was held for Jason Loris and the 7th Grade Farm-to-Table class after setting a world record for the most peppers on a single plant. To read, visit the link below.

https://www.rappnews.com/news/agriculture/panthers-farmer-break-guinness-world-record/article_c9fe6236-1cbc-478b-b81e-7f3735b8187e.html

Photo by Ireland Hayes

Across the nation, teachers and school staff are experiencing high levels of stress and burnout, and research supports a correlation between staff well-being and student achievement. To support our incredible school heroes, Commit to Be Fit (C2BF) has launched several staff-focused initiatives designed to enhance overall wellness. In addition to fitness classes, C2BF offers engaging activities that foster social connection, an often-overlooked but vital component of well-being.

Check out a few testimonials shared in an anonymous staff survey (Dec. 2025):

“The C2BF program has helped me become more mindful about how I’m treating my body, a skill easily forgotten in our busy, stressful adult lives. I’m grateful to C2BF for helping me remember to prioritize myself, so I can be the best teacher I can possibly be for my students.”

“The fact that our school system cares about our health so much is truly amazing and appreciated.”

“The staff wellness C2BF program helps me reduce stress, stay energized, and feel more supported and valued at work, which makes me a better, healthier, and happier educator.”

After presenting "Enhancing Employee Wellness for a Healthier School Community," at the American School Health Association's National Conference in October, Holly Jenkins of C2BF was asked to present on our staff wellness highlights to fellow school wellness teams in NY earlier this month. Collaborating with other school wellness professionals across the country has positively influenced so much of the C2BF programming, and the team is looking forward to debuting even more exciting offerings in the new semester.

Commit to Be Fit is a school-sponsored grant-funded program that promotes school wellness in our cafeterias, classrooms, and community. For additional information, visit www.rappc2bf.com. We would like to thank the PATH Foundation for their generous support of this program. Additionally, we would like to thank the Headwaters Foundation for partnering with C2BF in the Farm-to-Table and Active Learning in Outdoor Spaces classes and to the REACH Initiative for their generosity in providing funding to support staff well-being.

RCPS Families— As a friendly reminder, the RCPS Fit Kids Clinic is available for RCPS students. With your consent, the clinic nurse, Ms. Prince, will be able to use video telehealth technology to connect your child with a provider at Valley Health. In most cases, your child can be diagnosed without leaving school or you having to leave work. Plus, prescriptions can be sent directly to your pharmacy.

To make an appointment, please call 540-793-1371. Ms. Prince will begin scheduling appointments at 8am for students and staff. If she is busy assisting another patient, please leave a message for her to return your call. Please note, due to a recent policy change from Valley Health, students must be 5 years of age or older.

Save time and fill out the paperwork ahead of time! Visit https://www.valleyhealthlink.com/about-us/school-based-telehealth-visits/ for more details.

Community Reminder- Rappahannock County Public Schools wants to remind our community that the RCPS School Social Worker is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to assist anyone in need of support. Whether you are facing a crisis or just need someone to talk to, help is always available at 540-683-0437.

To view the list of helpful mental health and wellness resources for students and families, CLICK HERE.

Athletics Newsletter

Commit to Be Fit Website

Mental Health Innovators Website

School-Based Telehealth Clinic Webpage

School Nutrition Webpage

• RCES Cafe Webpage
• RCHS Cafe Webpage

Check out ALL upcoming RCPS events, by CLICKING HERE.

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

Email: info@rappahannockschools.us

To view a helpful list of our communications channels, CLICK HERE.