RCPS Community Partner Cafe

Building a Culture of Service

What does it really mean to build a culture of service in our schools? How can these experiences be not just a one-time event, but something more integrated that students carry with them? 
 
In this episode, Katie LaPira talks with Kim Davidson and Misty Newman from James Madison University’s Community Engagement and Volunteer Center about how service can move from a checklist to a mindset. They explore the idea of students as collaborators and contributors, the importance of listening to community partners, and how meaningful engagement can shape students’ academic paths, career interests, and sense of purpose.
 
Kim and Misty offer practical ways schools can begin to embed service into everyday learning, from early exposure in elementary school to leadership opportunities in high school. Whether you’re a parent, educator, or community partner, you’ll walk away with ideas for helping students see themselves as part of something bigger, and how small, intentional steps can lead to lasting impact.

Hands That Speak: Bringing ASL to Our Classrooms

What does it look like when students learn to communicate in more than one way?
 
In this episode, your host Katie LaPira talks with Lacey Spring Elementary principal Tammy May and JMU professor Melissa Nguyen about bringing American Sign Language (ASL) into elementary classrooms. They share how even young learners can begin building communication skills through movement, expression, and visual language. Melissa and Tammy also share about how ASL supports inclusion, confidence, and meaningful connections across the school community.
 
From supporting reading development to helping students connect across classrooms, and even across different abilities, this conversation highlights how ASL is opening new doors for RCPS students. 
 
Families will also hear simple ways to practice at home and how this initiative could grow in the years ahead, making communication more accessible for everyone in our community.
 
Mentioned in the Episode:
Nyle DiMarco’s TED Talk: Making Education Accessible to Deaf Children 

Pre-K and Kindergarten at RCPS: What Families Need to Know

What should families know about RCPS pre-K? Who is eligible, and how can those early school experiences help set the stage for long-term success?
 
In this episode of the RCPS Community Partner Café, host Katie LaPira sits down with Michele Judd, RCPS Director of Federal Programs, and Blair Harper, principal at River Bend Elementary, to talk about the RCPS pre-K program. Michele and Blair explain who the program is designed to support, how families can apply, and what children experience in those first classroom days, from play-based learning and early literacy skills to building friendships and confidence.
 
Whether you’re exploring pre-K for the first time or preparing for kindergarten in the near future, this conversation offers helpful insight into how RCPS supports young learners and their families. 
 
Learn more about eligibility, application timelines, and how these early years help children build the skills they need for a successful start in school. Check out these resources for more information:
 
https://www.rcps.net/page/prek-k
https://www.rcps.net/o/rcps/page/preschool

Reimagining High School: The JMU Lab School Partnership

What does it look like when a school division and a university come together to rethink how high school works? In this episode of the RCPS Community Partner Café, host Katie LaPira sits down with Dr. Donica Hadley, Executive Director of the JMU Lab School, to explore how this innovative partnership between Rockingham County Public Schools and James Madison University is creating new learning opportunities for students.
 
Dr. Hadley shares how the Lab School model emphasizes interdisciplinary, project-based learning, student voice, and real-world problem solving, while still meeting graduation requirements. Katie and Donica explore the way that the classes work at each grade level.
 
The conversation also highlights the role of community partners, and Dr. Hadley explains how families can learn more about whether the Lab School might be a good fit for their students. This episode offers a thoughtful look at how collaboration and innovation can help prepare students for life beyond high school.
 
The application for RCPS students who would like to participate in the Lab School simply involves students submitting their names and addresses, and the application window will be open from March 30 to April 30. 

Revisiting Safety First: The RCPS Approach to Weather-Related Decisions

In light of the winter weather conditions we're navigating, we wanted to reshare this episode from 2024 with Director of Transportation Chris Sours.
 
What happens when weather events cause potential school disruptions? In today’s episode of RCPS Community Partner Cafe, Chris Sours talks with host Katie LaPira to share what goes into making weather-related decisions for RCPS. Chris gives listeners a glimpse behind the scenes into what happens when weather events impact Rockingham County. 
 
Listen in to hear what makes RCPS unique and how decisions about delays and closures are made when weather impacts travel. As Chris shares, the safety of RCPS students and employees is the focus of every decision made. Learn about the process RCPS uses when determining whether a delay or closure is needed because of weather-related events. 

Growing Together: Mentorship in RCPS

What does it really look like to support new teachers in their first year? In this episode, host Katie LaPira sits down with supervisor Stephanie Failes and a panel of RCPS mentor teachers to walk us through the New Teacher Mentor Program, including who it serves, why it matters, and how it helps year zero teachers feel confident and connected from day one. 
 
You’ll hear how teacher mentors offer non-evaluative, just-in-time support: classroom set-up tips, tech tools, lesson planning, co-teaching, and practical guidance for milestones like grades and conferences.
 
RCPS families and community partners will also hear how this program builds relationships that last through on-campus visits, collaboration with mentor teachers/ ITRTs, and community meet-ups (yes, even ice cream socials!). 
 
If you’re curious about how RCPS invests in great teaching, and why so many educators choose to build their careers here, this conversation shows the care behind the classroom. Learn more at RCPS.net.

Building Kindness and Safety: Bullying Prevention in Our Schools

October is Bullying Prevention Month, and RCPS is joining schools across the nation to shine a light on this important issue. In this episode, Katie welcomes Dr. Emily Holloway to share what families and community members need to know about recognizing, reporting, and preventing bullying.
 
Together, Katie and Emily discuss the difference between bullying and everyday conflict, the warning signs adults should look for, and how bystanders can become upstanders who make a positive impact. 
 
Tune in to hear how our schools, families, and community can work hand in hand to ensure every student feels safe, supported, and valued.
 
For more information visit: https://www.rcps.net/page/support-services 

Fall Sports Kickoff: VHSL Updates for Students and Parents

Have a student gearing up for fall sports or thinking about joining a team or activity? Your host Katie LaPira welcomes back VHSL Supervisor Eric Baylor to explain what families need to know right now. Eric highlights the upcoming ninth grade live-in-zone eligibility rule (effective July 1, 2026), the new 14-month physical timeline, the heat index safety policy, and the enforcement of long-standing limits on out-of-zone eighth graders playing JV.
 
Plus, we get a look at what’s happening across RCPS this fall, from packed football stands to early-running golf, spirited theater productions, eSports, and more. Planning to attend? Remember the clear bag policy at outdoor events, follow your school’s posted guidelines, and come on out. If your student is on the fence about participating, give it a shot this season.

Beyond the Game: How VHSL Activities Support Student Growth

How do extracurriculars shape student success, and what’s ahead for RCPS activities?
 
In this episode, host Katie LaPira sits down with Eric Baylor, RCPS’s new Supervisor of VHSL Activities, to reflect on a standout year for student athletics and co-curricular activities. 
 
From multiple state championships to the growing popularity of esports, Eric shares highlights from across the division, his perspective as a former coach and principal, and the life lessons students gain from being part of a team, whether on the field, on the stage, or behind a screen.
 
This conversation is a great listen for parents, caregivers, and community members who want to understand how activities build community, strengthen school spirit, and help students thrive beyond the classroom. Plus, get a sneak peek at what’s coming this fall!

The Future of School Leadership in RCPS

What does it take to lead a school today—and how is that changing? In this episode, Dr. Amy Painter, Chief Human Resources Officer for Rockingham County Public Schools, joins us to talk about what makes an effective school leader in today’s climate. Drawing from her experience as both a principal and an HR leader, Dr. Painter shares how RCPS approaches hiring and supporting principals during times of transition, and what qualities are most essential in school leadership today.
 
If you’re a parent or community member curious about what’s happening behind the scenes in our schools, this episode offers a valuable look into how RCPS supports strong, steady leadership for students and staff.