PAGE 3

PAGE 4

PAGE 5

PAGE 6

PAGE 7

PAGE 8

PAGE 9

PAGE 10

PAGE 11

PAGE 12 ​PAGE 13 ​PAGE 14

PAGE 15

Page 16

Page 17

Page 18

Page 19

The sounds of the season filled the air ​at the City of Rockingham's annual ​Christmas tree lighting ceremony ​thanks to the talented vocalists of LJ ​Bell Elementary. The school's chorus, ​led by music teacher Kacey Matheson, ​delivered a spirited performance that ​radiated holiday cheer. Decked out in ​winter attire, the angelic students ​sang a medley of classic carols and ​wintery tunes as attendees bundled in ​the plaza. As the last notes rang out, ​the chorus received roaring applause ​and cheers.

Beta Club Spreads Holiday Craft Cheer

‘Tis the season for giving! Students from the ​Beta Club at Richmond Senior High School ​recently organized a Christmas craft activity ​for exceptional children at their school. The ​creative Betas assisted EC students in ​making a variety of festive holiday projects ​using various craft supplies. The library was ​filled with laughter as the groups worked ​together decorating ornaments and more. ​Smiles abounded as the Beta Club students ​helped their EC peers bring their artistic ​ideas to life. We applaud the Beta Club ​students for organizing this thoughtful, ​seasonal activity focused on giving back. The ​care and compassion they showed will help ​make the season bright for all!

The Mineral Springs Elementary School Chorus performed at the annual Ellerbe Hometown Christmas ​event on December 1st. Under the direction of music teachers Alex Watkins and Shalyn Rosser, the ​chorus sang a selection of holiday songs as the audience gathered for the lighting of the Christmas ​tree in town park. The Mineral Springs carolers encapsulated holiday magic that night!

Richmond County Schools recently ​concluded its annual Superintendent’s ​Christmas Card Art Contest, highlighting ​the artistic talents of our students. ​Superintendent Dr. Joe Ferrell selected ​three winners out of dozens of ​submissions from students across the ​county. All pieces captured the spirit and ​joy of the holiday season. ​Congratulations to Axel Morales, Thu ​Tran, Natalie Hudson and all other ​creative participants on their ​submissions. The art program in ​Richmond County fosters imagination ​and innovation in all grade levels as ​evidenced by this annual contest. Keep ​up the great work!

Season’s Greetings

Illustrated by:

Axel Morales

West Rockingham Elementary

5th Grade

A Snoopy Christmas

Illustrated by:

Thu Tran

Hamlet Middle

7th Grade

I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa

Illustrated by:

Natalie Hudson

Richmond Early College

9th Grade

Fairview Heights Elementary wanted to honor the military connections within their ​school community this holiday season. School counselor Kristen Pruitt had the idea ​for a Tree of Valor to recognize past and present service members in students’ ​families. The concept evolved into an ornament-adorned tree and recognition ​ceremony incorporated into the school’s Christmas chorus concert.

Since Veterans Day, the team gathered information from students, staff and central ​office on military affiliations within their families. Dr. Gardner crafted commemorative ​ornaments while Mrs. Pruitt collected service details. Mrs. Elvis provided crucial ​support with maintaining accuracy. Chorus director Seth Shepard enthusiastically ​agreed to integrate the ceremony into his program, selecting fitting musical ​accompaniment.

Letters were sent to participating families inviting them to place flags on the patriotic ​tree during the concert. The result was a moving tribute that connected community ​and school on a heartfelt level. Fairview Heights is committed to supporting military ​students and families, and proud to honor their service with this new Christmas ​tradition.

The First Presbyterian Church of Rockingham ​recently sponsored its annual heartwarming ​Christmas Shoes program providing new shoes ​for students in need this holiday season. This ​yearly outreach effort is made possible through ​generous donations to the church. The ​Christmas Shoes program buses eligible ​students identified by school counselors and ​social workers to the local Shoe Dept. Students ​are assisted by church volunteers and staff to ​pick out a brand new pair of shoes for the ​holidays. By providing them with this basic ​necessity year after year, the program helps ​boost these children's confidence and joy during ​a difficult time for families facing hardship. ​Dozens of smiles have been brought to young ​faces thanks to the compassion and ​understanding from First Presbyterian Church ​and its caring congregation. Their commitment to ​spreading warmth - physically through the gift of ​shoes, and emotionally through this annual ​tradition of support - exhibits the true spirit of ​the Christmas season.

Richmond Early College sophomore Grayson Wrenn ​recently organized a special Christmas service ​project to benefit local nursing home residents. ​Grayson hosted a festive holiday event at his home, ​extravagantly decorated with Christmas lights. He ​served hot cocoa and cookies to all attendees and ​even offered photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus! ​During the event, Grayson collected donations of ​new socks, lotion, individually wrapped snacks and ​more at the event to assemble into 100 gift bags, ​along with 50 additional snack bags. He was able to ​deliver the cheer-filled care packages to three ​nursing homes in the area just in time for the ​holidays. His project embodied the spirit of giving ​and brought joy to many senior residents. We ​congratulate Grayson on making a difference in his ​community this Christmas season!

Richmond County Schools recently ​hosted a delightful Community Breakfast ​at Washington Street School. ​Superintendent Dr. Joe Ferrell welcomed ​guests and inspired us with a thoughtful ​message about being thankful this ​holiday season for the things that matter ​most - family, community, health and so ​on. He reminded us of the importance of ​giving back. Attendees enjoyed a ​wonderful breakfast spread thanks to the ​talented child nutrition staff. ​Entertainment was provided by the ​melodic Raider Men’s Choir, who filled ​the room with festive song. It was a feel-​good morning focused on the spirit of the ​holidays.

This December, Ninth Grade Academy was filled with school spirit and holiday charm for their Festival of Trees event. Each ​department decorated a Christmas tree that embodied their subject matter while also displaying Raider pride and seasonal ​inspiration. Trees were judged on criteria like creativity, theme representation and holiday flair.

The English department took first place by drawing clever comparisons between Christmas book characters and Richmond ​County Schools central office staff. In second place, the Math department brought numbers to life with ornaments filled with ​graphs and math instruments. Lastly, in third place the cafeteria tree dazzled with food-shaped adornments. Other ​participants included the EC department, science, history and more.

Students enjoyed viewing the display and discussing their favorites. We congratulate all departments on spreading holiday ​magic at Ninth Grade Academy!

This Christmas season, Richmond ​Early College student Presley Dawkins ​is leading a service project supporting ​our community's law enforcement ​officers. Many officers spend the ​holidays working instead of with ​family, protecting the safety of our ​neighborhoods. To show her ​appreciation, Presley is organizing an ​effort to provide officers on duty with ​care packages, gifts, and words of ​thanks this December. We commend ​Presley for spearheading this ​charitable campaign and showing our ​officers some holiday love. Let's come ​together to make the season brighter ​for the men and women who serve us. ​Reach out to Brooke Dawkins at ​brookedawkins@richmond.k12.nc.us ​if you’d like to contribute.

The halls have been alive with the sounds of music and creativity this holiday season across Richmond County Schools. Students ​have dazzled families and community members with a wide range of concerts and art shows celebrating the season. Chorus ​concerts at the elementary, middle and high schools have showcased the vocal talents of hundreds of students. Bands have ​impressed audiences with their skill during holiday programs. Art shows have decked the walls with festive masterpieces! The ​season has been filled with over a dozen events spotlighting the artistic gifts being nurtured in Richmond County Schools. Beyond ​spreading holiday cheer, these events develop skills and discipline in our students that will serve them for a lifetime. ​Congratulations to all performers and creators! The heART of Christmas truly lies in Richmond County Schools.

Students at L.J. Bell Elementary recently ​participated in a fun and eco-friendly ​holiday event - a Cardboard Gingerbread ​House competition! Students tapped into ​their creativity, and problem-solving skills ​to construct miniature cardboard houses ​inspired by the classic gingerbread style. ​Using cardboard, paint, paper, fabric and ​more reusable items, they invented ​adorable structures complete with candy-​like accents and holiday flare. A panel of ​judges selected winners based on various ​categories and more. The event ​encouraged innovation and imagination. ​Congratulations to the talented L.J. Bell ​architects on their handmade cardboard ​masterpieces!

Ashley Chapel Education Center ​recently hosted a special “Tiger Holiday ​Luncheon” for students and their ​families. The festive event welcomed ​families into the school to enjoy a ​delicious holiday meal alongside their ​student in the lead up to winter break. ​The luncheon provided a chance for ​families to celebrate the season with ​some Tiger spirit and for students to ​show off all that makes Ashley Chapel ​great. Events like this Tiger Holiday ​Luncheon help bring everyone at Ashley ​Chapel closer together and get into the ​holiday mindset. Thanks to all staff and ​family who made this wonderful event ​possible. Happy holidays, Ashley Chapel ​Tigers!

Richmond County Schools recently held a fun and ​festive holiday bash for new teachers in the district. ​Hosted by Beginning Teacher Support director ​DaleAnn High, the Nacho Typical Christmas Party ​welcomed over 30 first, second, and third year ​teachers in RCS. Attendees enjoyed a delicious Tex-​Mex style snacks, walking tacos included! Generous ​door prizes donated from local businesses added ​extra joy to the celebration. DaleAnn went above ​and beyond to make new educators feel welcomed ​and celebrated this holiday season with good food, ​good company and good times! The party was filled ​with laughter and cheer to recharge these teachers ​as they begin to wrap up their first semester. Feliz ​Navidad to all!

Sweet Treats Brighten the Season

Students from Mr. Bell’s Adobe Digital Design class at Richmond Senior High wanted to spread some ​holiday cheer to exceptional children students and staff this Christmas. They organized a drive to collect ​donations of candy to fill nearly 90 stockings for the EC department. With help from RSHS teachers and ​other generous donors, the stockings overflowed with sweets. On the week before winter break, Mr. Bell’s ​students packed and distributed the red and green stockings to delighted students and staff. The kindness ​exhibited by these students embodies the spirit of giving to make sure all Raiders feel special this holiday ​season. We’re so proud of these efforts to lift up every member of our school community with such ​heartwarming support.

Hi! I am Kylie DeWitt the Executive Director of Communications for Richmond County Schools. I have created The School Scoop as a way to promote our district and share the wonderful stories of our students.

To make this possible, I need your help! Let me know what is going on that I may not see. Whether you are a parent, community member, or RCS staff member, you can contribute! Use the link below to submit a photo and a brief description and it will be reviewed to add to the monthly edition of The School Scoop!