Local NAACP honors Sears

At the March 22 meeting of Roanoke City School Board, a city educator was recognized for her work during Black History Month. Tamara Thomas, spokesperson for the NAACP, along with NAACP member Toni Wright, presented a proclamation to Handley High School history teacher Merredith Sears for her extraordinary contributions to the recognition of Black History in Roanoke.

Sears said, “It has been an honor and a privilege to collect our local stories and share our collective histories, and I look forward to continuing this mission in my role as vice president of Randolph County Historical Museum. I am a firm believer that black history is American history, and ALL of our history matters to ALL of us. We have so many wonderful people in Randolph County who are fine examples of whom everyone can be proud and from whom everyone can learn. Handley High School has been blessed with such illustrious staff and graduates that we were proud to spotlight last month. History matters and so do all of you! Be proud of your roots. I look forward to continuing to grow strong branches from these roots with all of you!’

Superintendent’s report

Future Business Leaders of America has partnered with the March of Dimes in 2022. Coin boxes are being distributed to each school to raise money for March of Dimes.

Handley Middle School’s eighth grade was randomly selected by the state to participate in the NAEP Assessment at the beginning of February. They participated in test prep classes during their elective time for over two weeks. They received a reward, a field trip to Surge Trampoline Park. Superintendent Greg Foster said principal Lynn Robinson and the staff at HMS did a great job getting students prepared to test.

Bailee Pitchford, Liana Mapp, Breanna Daniel and Anna Rae Broome attended the state Anchor Club convention March 5-6 in Birmingham. The girls learned new things about serving the community and how to be leaders. This year, senior Liana Mapp served as a state officer (director), and junior Anna Rae Broome was installed as a state officer as director for the upcoming year. These students represented HHS Anchor Club very well, said Foster.

Knight-Enloe Elementary School has kicked off the 2022 Bike Hike season. Randolph County Learning Center depends on this fundraiser to continue to offer their great services to the community. All of the schools will participate in different activities to raise money for this yearÕs Bike Hike. RCS are proud of the support the students show for RCLC and the relationship the school system has with this outstanding organization.

HHS 11th-graders participated in ACT Boot Camp through ACT prep last week. Foster thanked Principal Todd Cole and the ACT camp teachers for working hard preparing the students. Foster said the HHS staff does a great job helping students excel.

HMS students have been using the Success Maker computer-based intervention program for reading and math since November. Teachers and students have been setting growth goals each month and tracking progress. At the end of each month, teachers recognize those students who have reached their goals for the month. Foster said KES principal Tena Musick and the staff at KES are doing a remarkable job with the little ones.

Congratulations to Joshua Foster, Principal for a Day. Joshua earned 120 AR points, which earned this reward. He was sharing great advice to the first-graders about the importance of reading, math and listening to your teachers.

Thank you to TEC for sending the lessons/activities and discussions on cyber bullying and appropriate online media presence.

Eighth-graders attended the World of Work at Oxford Civic Center. Students actively participated in five “Worlds of Work” throughout the day and learned about the many career options in the area. Students were actively engaged and had a blast.

Mrs. McKinzey’s ELA class finished up their unit “Taking a Stand” at the end of February. Students had to choose a person who inspires them with his or her works, deeds and/or influence on our world. Students wrote a research paper then created a poster that had to be a life-like representation and the most important facts about their person. These students placed in the respective categories: Zy Pogue – Most Informative Poster on Ruby Bridges; Landon Calhoun – Most Artistic Poster on John Lennon; and Camille Brown – Most Creative Poster on Queen Elizabeth II.

It was a special day in teacher Jennifer Kirby’s anatomy class. They had the honor of listening to Nate Pike explain his blood disease (PNH and aplastic anemia) and share his journey through treatment. Nate is truly inspiring. His story and knowledge will amaze you! Nate is back!

Personnel actions

• Retirement of Pam Williams from her position as special education aide at KES, effective May 26.
• A new contract with Glenda Ziglar. Ziglar is currently under contract with RCS until May 2022. Her current contract is not to exceed $10,000. Lyn Perry respectfully requests an increase of $6,000 due to the increase in the number of students to be served. This would make her contract amount $16,000
• Celia Towler as substitute support staff for food services.