RCS RE-Entry Planning

RCS IS PROACTIVE!

RCS is being proactive and we have established a Re-Entry Team to think about all the aspects and anticipate re-engaging and re-entry strategies to close out and re-open the school year. Our Re-Entry team is working diligently on safety protocols, social emotional supports for students and staff, school operations, employee considerations, learning strategies, and parent engagement/stakeholder involvement. Our goal is to think about what the students and staff of RCS need as we close and re-open our new school year. As we think about re-engaging, we want to re-connect and re-ignite by developing a proactive plan to meet the academic and social emotional needs for our students and staff! Please see the RCS Re-Entry Planning Introduction!

BACK TO SCHOOL 2020! Re-Engage! Re-Connect! Re-Ignite!

SAFE@RCS! SAFE TO SCHOOL. SAFE TO HOME.

RCS has developed a strategic plan for Re-Entry Planning as we think about closing out the school year, re-engaging, re-connecting, and re-igniting a new school year!

Please view our RCS Re-Entry Strategic Goals and Objectives located here!

Welcome to Back to School 2020! Google Site!

Rockingham County Schools has developed this Back to School 2020! Guide for our Safe Return to School! This plan details how we plan to Re-Engage! Re-Connect! Re-Ignite! This plan in response to the COVID-19 public health crisis. The purpose of this guidance document is to support Rockingham County Schools for a safe 2020-20201 school year! This plan was based off of guidance provided by the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, North Carolina Department of Public Instruction, North Carolina State Board of Education, and the Center for Disease Control requirements and guidance.

The State Board of Education (SBE) and NC Department of Public Instruction (NCDPI), in consultation with the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS), have developed Lighting Our Way Forward: North Carolina's Guidebook for Reopening Public Schools in response to the COVID-19 public health crisis. The purpose of this guidance document is to support NC public schools and communities in developing their plans and strategies for reopening schools in the 2020-21 school year. As Rockingham County Schools works to operationalize these recommendations, it is critical to be intentional and prepared for change as the year unfolds in light of public health needs. RCS is using this guidance along with North Carolina Department Health and Human Services Strong Schools NC Document in order to ensure a safe return to learn for Rockingham County Schools students and staff.

RCS Guide for our Safe Return to Learn: Re-Engage! Re-Connect! Re-Ignite! provides our plan to ensure a safe and successful 2020-21 school year. Requirements designated by executive orders issued by the Governor’s Office, North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, North Carolina General Statutes, and North Carolina State Board of Education Policy, the guidance and recommendations contained within this document are mandates that public schools must follow. Rockingham County Schools will meet our local needs and be responsive to our communities. As impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic evolve, the SBE and NCDPI will continue to provide updated guidance and recommendations to districts and schools on navigating the academic, social, and emotional effects on students and employees. RCS will regularly have to update this document in order to stay consistent with this new guidance.

RCS Guiding Principles for Reopening Schools

RCS will:

● consider the safety and wellness of students and employees, first and foremost;

● respond to the needs of vulnerable and high needs populations;

● be adaptable and flexible with the ability to move throughout the academic year from one Reopening Plan to another based on public health needs;

● synergize multiple operational and academic factors to develop effective plans;

● ensure engagement with all voices represented in the schools;

● maintain consistent communication with students, families and employees to ensure respect and success within the evolving situation.

This approach is built upon the guidance and recommendations of public health officials; it is aligned to the NC Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) StrongSchoolsNC Public Health Toolkit (K-12) from June 8, 2020 (updated June 24, 2020). It is designed to help districts prioritize the health and safety of students and teachers as they reopen school buildings and deliver instruction for the 2020-21 school year.

As statewide and local COVID-19 public health needs change over time, it is critical for Rockingham County Schools to plan for a variety of learning scenarios for the 2020-21 school year. All NC public schools will need to consider multiple factors as they prepare to reopen, including community health needs, student and employee safety, operations, and teaching and learning strategies.

Guidance and action regarding school building closure may come in a variety of ways:

A statewide executive order issued by the Governor, such as Executive Order No. 117 issued on March 14, 2020
NC Department of Health and Human Services guidance
State Board of Education action
Local health department guidance
Local Educational Agency/Charter School action

RCS RE-ENTRY PLANNING TEAM

Thank you for all who are serving on the RCS Re-Entry Planning Team! We also thank the many staff that will also serve on subcommittees of this team as well and will provide input as we move forward!

Dr. Rodney Shotwell, Superintendent
Dr. Sonja Parks, Assistant Superintendent of Operations and Logistics
Jonathan Craig, Executive Director of Human Resources
Dr. Cindy Corcoran, Assistant Superintendent of Instructional Support Services
Dr. Charles Perkins, Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction
Annie Ellis, Chief Finance Officer
Dr. Stephanie Ellis, Re-Entry Chairperson and Executive Director of Behavioral Health, Crisis Intervention, and Student Safety
Kacey Sensenich, Chief Technology Officer
Duane Hensley, Director of Transportation
Dr. Leslie Cassell, Principal of Williamsburg Elementary
Ann Mitchell, Principal of Reidsville High School
Dr. Deirdre Moyer, Student and Family Health Education and Engagement Coordinator
Amanda Perkins, Lead School Nurse
Cathy DeMason, Director of Student Health Centers
Amy Rose, Preschool Coordinator
Andrew Barker, Assistant Director of Head Start
Clara Haynes, Head Start Health, Safety, and Mental Health Manager
Casey Davis, Assistant Principal of Leaksville-Spray Elementary
Moriah Dollarhite, Principal of Rockingham County Middle School
Josh Eanes, Principal of Bethany Elementary
Erselle Young, Director of Child Nutrition
Jane Frazier, Principal of Central Elementary
E.C. Stophel, Director of Maintenance
Tia Scales, Assistant Principal of Morehead High School
Annette Galloway, Head Start Education Manager
Michele Cheek, Head Start Family Services Manager
Dr. Pam Watkins, Director of Exceptional Children
Angela Martin, Beginning Teacher Coordinator
Christy Bailey, Principal of Dillard Academy
Dr. Holly Williamson, Director of Support Programs
Felicia Jumper, Director of Head Start
Sherry Broadnax, Head Start Lead Teacher
June Nealy, Director of Elementary Schools and Title I
Kasie Pruitt, Principal of Stoneville Elementary
Dr. Ryan Moody, Principal of Morehead High School
Dr. Gregg Slate, Director of Secondary Schools
Jason Hyler, Direct of Testing and Accountability
Elizabeth Covell, Director of Digital Learning and Media
Nancy Towler, Director of Instructional Programs
Alyssa Slater, Lead Teacher
Laura Carter, Principal of Leaksville-Spray Elementary
Wendy Barnes, Payroll Supervisor
Erica Blackwell, Principal of Reidsville Middle School
Hunter Smothers, Principal of South End Elementary
Gary Pyrtle, Principal of Huntsville Elementary School
Karen Hyler, Public Information Officer