What is a Rockingham Moment? It is that time when you realize someone special in the division has made a difference – big or small – in your day or even more, your life. We encourage you to share with us here!
Rockingham Moments
Our people make us what we are …
In a note from Mr. and Mrs. Scott Joyner to Peak View Principal, Marcy Williams, on the thoughtfulness of Kindergarten teacher, Terri Smith:
I just wanted to let you know what an amazing teacher you have in Mrs. Terri Smith. She asked a few weeks ago for parents to let her know about upcoming recitals, concerts, games, etc… that were coming up. I thought it was a nice gesture. Last Saturday evening Mrs. Smith attended our daughter, Riley’s ballet recital. She went to a two hour dance recital to watch one of her students for two minutes and then she stayed after the concert to congratulate her and give her a hug. It meant so much to us. My husband and I have been teachers for 20 and 14 years and we both agreed that was one of the most amazing things we have seen a teacher do. She is so dedicated to her students. Peak View is lucky to have her. I know she is the reason why Riley loves Kindergarten.
Linville-Edom Elementary School Principal, Karen Thomsen, shared this note sent to her from Amy Reedy, one of LEES’s 2nd Grade teachers:
I have a friend who is in Uganda on a missions trip. She works with malnourished kids at a health clinic. When I taught diversity in the fall, I discussed with my students that children all over the word live very different lives, but we all have the same feelings. My students wanted to draw get well soon pictures to send to the clinic in Uganda. They are so thoughtful! I sent the pictures to my friend, along with some crayons, coloring sheets, and stickers, and she gave them out to the children in the clinic. I have included the link to her blog below. Just thought you would like to see! I’m planning to share it today with my class. I am so proud of how thoughtful my kids are!
http://prayseekstep.blogspot.com/2013/04/ms-reedys-2nd-grade-class.html
In a message to East Rockingham Principal Eric Baylor, ERHS Swim Coach, Debbie Coles, recounts details of their inaugural swim meet:
“I wanted to let you know that our first meet went well. All of our swimmers did an amazing job in the water, but it was what they did OUT of the water that got a lot of attention. They cheered for the swimmers on the opposing team during each event. During one event, an opposing swimmer was lagging behind. His own team was not even paying attention but the ERHS team stood at the side of the pool cheering him on the entire way to the finish. When he reached the wall, our side of the pool exploded in applause. Our swimmers were not told to do this – they did it on their own. Several people stopped Coach Hess and me and commented on our sportsmanship. One man said that in his child’s four years of swimming for Clarke County, he had never seen such sportsmanship from another team. After the meet, we stopped in McDonald’s and many of the Clarke County swimmers and parents were dining there and approached us to thank us for cheering for them and being so nice. Coach Hess and I are so proud of this team!!
As for the score – they beat us, but not by much. We are a team of only 12 swimmers – only 11 participated in this meet – but the final score was 177 – 107. Clarke County’s team is a least three times the size of ours. We have a talented bunch of swimmers for sure!”
A few weeks ago, a parent walked into my office at MTC with her child and a “Welcome” letter from Blue Ridge Community College. She was perplexed at the meaning of this letter and wanted it explained to her. Although she had signed a permission form and paid for a dual enrollment class, she didn’t fully understand what it meant. I took a moment to inform her about how her son will take his high school class with us; but, that at the same time, he will also be enrolled at and earning college credit from BRCC. She looked at me in disbelief and exclaimed “So this letter is saying that my son is a college student?” “Yes, Ma’am” I replied. As tears welled in her eyes, she remarked “I can’t believe this. No one in my family has ever gone to college.”
After RCPS’S recent announcement supporting the initiation of weighted grades for MTC dual enrolled courses, I felt compelled to write this letter to express my gratitude for the continued support of our students. Validating the hard work our students devote to learning their technical trade is more than just meaningful to them. It impacts their confidence in a way that allows them to believe they are capable of achievements they may not have explored before.
With Dual Enrollment and weighted grades, our students are realizing a potential they may never have thought possible. They are creating new dreams and aspirations for their future. Thank you, Dr. Fenn, and School Board Members, for your leadership and support in this initiative. It is truly meaningful to us all.
The following email was sent to Dr. David Wenger, Principal at Fulks Run Elementary. She describes an exchange between her and her second grade son as they entered the parking lot one morning before school where she pointed out Dr. Wenger’s parents, Winston and JoAnn Wenger, both former RCPS administrators, who were entering the school to visit.
The parent writes to Dr. Wenger:
When we pulled into the school lot, I noticed your parents exiting their vehicle and walking into the school. I pointed them out to Blaine and said, “Blaine, those 2 people are Dr. Wenger’s parents.” He instantly replied, “Huh … his parents are still dropping him off at school — that’s cute!” I had to chuckle. I hope you find this equally humorous from a 7 year old’s perspective!
I’d like to recognize One special person that was my 5th grade teacher (many years ago) and my kids now have her as their principal. Ms. Martz of River Bend Elem. She is amazing!! She always takes time for each student. I remember the impact she had on me when she was my teacher. She encouraged me everyday to do my best and I thank her for that. She showed that she cared in so many ways. She showed me she wasn’t just any teacher in fact she was actually a caring, loving teacher who wanted to see her students succeed. Now my kids have her for their principal and they love her to pieces. Anytime we have concerns or the kids have concerns, we know we can go to her for help. For someone to remember a certain teacher and how they treated them says a lot about a person! I just basically want to say, “Thank you” Ms. Martz, for being the wonderful person you are!!
I want to recognize my co-workers at Fulks Run Elementary. No one gives more of themselves each day than they do. It’s a privilege to work with such a caring, devoted and loving staff!!
My daughter is new at River Bend Elementary this year. I am so pleased with the caring, dedicated staff. Her teacher, Ms. Sarver, encourages her students to do and be their best. I especially want to thank Mindy Taylor, who I believe has already impacted my daughter in such a positive way. Thank you for all your time and dedication.
My 18-year-old step-daughter recently returned from a summer of working on Hatteras Island, NC. During a recreational swim in the ocean one day she found herself being carried further from shore and unable to swim back in. Our years of summer vacations on the beach and all my”training” what to do in this situation were planted deep in her subconscious, but it was not my voice she heard, it was that of her high school band director, Mr. Greg Oaks, coaching and prompting her to remain focused and do what she knew she had to do. She calmly swam parallel to the shoreline until she was able to swim back to the beach. I’m obviously grateful for her safe return, but also for the dedication of great co-workers like Greg who empower, coach, train, disciple and encourage our young people with life-(giving, changing, even saving) skills. So proud to be part of this “family” of Rockingham County Schools.
This is my 30th year in education and I have always wondered when a person knows when it is time to step down. Dawn and I have discussed this numerous times. We know that we want to step down at the right time. Last Wednesday, the students came back. I informed Dawn that I can’t retire, I love the kids too much! I guess what I am saying is that it is not time for me, yet! I think we get so hung up into stressful issues and lose sight of why we chose this profession. I know that I chose it for the kids!!
A middle school student was wandering the halls on the first day of school looking confused, and then suddenly quite pleased with himself. A fellow teacher and myself noticed him and asked if he needed help finding a location. He responded, “No. I was lost, but now I’m found.”
For me, this entire year was a Rockingham moment. However, if this year was a hot fudge sundae, the cherry on top would be the Montevideo 7th grade drama class production of “Intimidé,” an anti-bullying play. The 30 students involved in this production were simply amazing and the play’s author, seventh grader Brice Estes gave us a brilliant roadmap to follow.
The seven (7) performances of this play would not have been possible without the support of division Superintendent, Dr. Carol Fenn and Rockingham County School Board Chairman, Dan Breeden, who urged all Rockingham County middle schools to see our production. I also want to recognize Montevideo Middle School Principal, Drew Miller. Not only did he support us from day one, he continued to encourage and assist in making the seven performances of “Intimidé” possible. He was our chief cheerleader, caterer, assistant sound technician, emissary of peace and love, and a stellar bus driver. Thanks to all involved in for making the “cherry on top” of the 2011-12 school year so special.
Two people at the Rock that I’d like to mention are Pam Armentrout and Melony Hensley. Pam was an aide in my class this year and did a tremendous job of motivating a few of her students and a few that weren’t assigned to her. She also let me do morning announcements every other day, and that may be my calling in life. Melony is the copy lady/secretary/library aide, and she truly does it all and is so unbelievably pleasant through it all. She never seems at her wits end and always goes out of her way to be helpful. They, along with countless others, have made life at the Rock the best that we can get in this county.
My Rockingham Moment is sincere appreciation for the contribution to our division’s technology success by our retiring supervisor Joe Hill. Many teachers my age have witnessed the advance of the personal computer and it’s impact on our lives, our children and our profession. Joe Hill’s leadership has paced that amazing journey and empowered RCPS teachers and it’s students to do great things. The entire tech staff have made a valuable contribution to our school division’s success and statewide reputation for excellence in the technology centric classroom. The teachers of Rockingham have taken the opportunity to teach with technology to new heights and it shows with our successful students. It’s a blessing to be a part of a successful team, talented teachers and great students.
As the school year draws to a close, I’m graduating the last of my children from elementary school — it’s bittersweet, especially since we’ll no longer have Mr. Whitmore driving any of our children to school! I wanted to drop you a note to let you know what a treasure we think you have with him. We’ve had kids in RCPS for 13 years, and Mr. Whitmore is by far the best bus driver we’ve ever had. He’s a wonderful person, and it’s such an important thing to know that the children are well taken care of as they travel to school. I’ve often made the comment that I can set my watch by his arrival in the mornings…..in the three years he’s been our driver, he’s been on time to the minute nearly every single morning. He is kind to the children, and keeps excellent order on the bus. I only wish that he could bump up to take my kids to middle and high school — but I know there are a lot more MVES kids who need his special care! :)
Thank you for sending him our way!