It’s National School Resource Officer Day, and we are incredibly proud to celebrate our very own Deputy John Neumann from the Rockingham County Sheriff’s Office.
Deputy Neumann is a staple in our halls, and we’re lucky to have an SRO who handles everything with a smile (and the occasional snack). Whether he’s keeping us safe or just being part of the team, he makes our school a better place. And even stops by on teacher work days with his dog, Bruno to say hi.
Deputy Neumann is a staple in our halls, and we’re lucky to have an SRO who handles everything with a smile (and the occasional snack). Whether he’s keeping us safe or just being part of the team, he makes our school a better place. And even stops by on teacher work days with his dog, Bruno to say hi.
A friendly reminder!
No school for students on the following days:
Monday, February 16-
Secondary Conferences 12-7pm & Elementary Teacher Workday
Tuesday, February 17-
Elementary Conferences 12-7pm & Secondary Teacher Workday
Wednesday, February 18 will be an EVEN DAY
No school for students on the following days:
Monday, February 16-
Secondary Conferences 12-7pm & Elementary Teacher Workday
Tuesday, February 17-
Elementary Conferences 12-7pm & Secondary Teacher Workday
Wednesday, February 18 will be an EVEN DAY
Grilling up some success for CTE Month! ♨️
Shoutout to our Ag and FCS classes for the amazing burgers and hot dogs on Friday! Rockingham Academy sure knows how to celebrate the power of hands-on learning!
Shoutout to our Ag and FCS classes for the amazing burgers and hot dogs on Friday! Rockingham Academy sure knows how to celebrate the power of hands-on learning!
To round out National School Counselor Week, we’re shining a massive spotlight on the heart and soul of our support system: Jeri, RA’s one-and-only school counselor!
Thank you, Jeri, for showing up every day with patience, understanding, and a whole lot of heart. You meet our students exactly where they are, listen without judgment, and open doors that once felt closed.
A Nevada native (born near the Hoover Dam!), Jeri traded the desert heat for Virginia’s "cold, snow, and ice" in 1996. After choosing Psychology over law school, Jeri built an incredible career working with brain injury survivors, in substance abuse counseling, and as a crisis counselor. Since 2006, she’s been a staple in RCPS, joining RA because she loves working with students who don't "fit the mold."
Jeri believes it takes a village, and we are so lucky she’s a part of ours. Thank you for making a difference in these lives every single day!
Thank you, Jeri, for showing up every day with patience, understanding, and a whole lot of heart. You meet our students exactly where they are, listen without judgment, and open doors that once felt closed.
A Nevada native (born near the Hoover Dam!), Jeri traded the desert heat for Virginia’s "cold, snow, and ice" in 1996. After choosing Psychology over law school, Jeri built an incredible career working with brain injury survivors, in substance abuse counseling, and as a crisis counselor. Since 2006, she’s been a staple in RCPS, joining RA because she loves working with students who don't "fit the mold."
Jeri believes it takes a village, and we are so lucky she’s a part of ours. Thank you for making a difference in these lives every single day!
Today we are honoring Jessie, our EIC! Jessie is the "quiet force" of our building. Whether she’s working one-on-one with a student, collaborating with our staff, or coordinating with outside agencies, Jessie is always level-headed and focused on what’s best for our kids.
Jessie has been a dedicated mental health professional since 2012. Her journey is an inspiring one—starting in Fine Arts, she originally planned to pursue Art Therapy before finding her true calling in clinical counseling. She has spent over a decade serving as a TDT manager, outpatient counselor, FAPT representative, and more. She officially became a Licensed Counselor in 2020 and is even EMDR certified!
A little more about Jessie:
The Move: Originally from Madison, she moved "over the mountain" to join our community after meeting her husband, Tommy.
Family Life: Together, they manage a busy and happy household with 7 kids!
Adventures: When she isn’t at school, Jessie loves to travel and "eat all the things" on her adventures.
Jessie, thank you for sharing your expertise and your calm, steady heart with us every day. We appreciate you!
Jessie has been a dedicated mental health professional since 2012. Her journey is an inspiring one—starting in Fine Arts, she originally planned to pursue Art Therapy before finding her true calling in clinical counseling. She has spent over a decade serving as a TDT manager, outpatient counselor, FAPT representative, and more. She officially became a Licensed Counselor in 2020 and is even EMDR certified!
A little more about Jessie:
The Move: Originally from Madison, she moved "over the mountain" to join our community after meeting her husband, Tommy.
Family Life: Together, they manage a busy and happy household with 7 kids!
Adventures: When she isn’t at school, Jessie loves to travel and "eat all the things" on her adventures.
Jessie, thank you for sharing your expertise and your calm, steady heart with us every day. We appreciate you!
Today, we are thrilled to honor Molly and the incredible heart she brings to RA. As our BSA, Molly does the "heart work" that often goes unseen, providing a steady hand and a listening ear to students who need it most.
Molly’s journey to us is paved with experience. Before finding her "home" here, she spent five years at Minnick and two years as a Behavioral Transitional Aide. For the past three years, she has also served as a mentor for teens, helping them navigate life’s toughest chapters.
Molly admits she has a soft spot for working with "spicy" personalities! She finds her purpose in helping students work through big emotions and truly listening to their stories. While shouldering the emotional weight of others is a massive task, Molly does it all with effortless grace.
A few fun facts about Molly:
Favorite Foods: Spaghetti... and pickles!
Hobbies: She loves being a mom, cooking, and getting creative with crafts.
Molly, we are so lucky you chose to make RA your home. Thank you for all you do!
Molly’s journey to us is paved with experience. Before finding her "home" here, she spent five years at Minnick and two years as a Behavioral Transitional Aide. For the past three years, she has also served as a mentor for teens, helping them navigate life’s toughest chapters.
Molly admits she has a soft spot for working with "spicy" personalities! She finds her purpose in helping students work through big emotions and truly listening to their stories. While shouldering the emotional weight of others is a massive task, Molly does it all with effortless grace.
A few fun facts about Molly:
Favorite Foods: Spaghetti... and pickles!
Hobbies: She loves being a mom, cooking, and getting creative with crafts.
Molly, we are so lucky you chose to make RA your home. Thank you for all you do!
It’s National School Counselor Week, and this year’s theme says it all: "School Counselors Amplify Student Success."
We are incredibly fortunate to have a powerhouse team dedicated to our students’ well-being and growth. A huge THANK YOU to:
Jeri May, our School Counselor
Jessie Lewis-Crosby, our EIC
Molly Conley, our BSA
These three amazing ladies are the heart of our support system, working tirelessly every day to ensure every student feels seen, heard, and supported. Their unique roles are invaluable to our building and are the foundation of our students' success!
We are incredibly fortunate to have a powerhouse team dedicated to our students’ well-being and growth. A huge THANK YOU to:
Jeri May, our School Counselor
Jessie Lewis-Crosby, our EIC
Molly Conley, our BSA
These three amazing ladies are the heart of our support system, working tirelessly every day to ensure every student feels seen, heard, and supported. Their unique roles are invaluable to our building and are the foundation of our students' success!
Celebrating a Strong First Semester at RA!
During the first semester, our students achieved some incredible milestones:
120 class credits completed
18 high school diploma graduates
8 GED/ISAEP graduates
Our Spotlight Wall proudly showcases the hard work and dedication behind these successes. We are so proud of our students and grateful for the staff who support them every step of the way!
During the first semester, our students achieved some incredible milestones:
120 class credits completed
18 high school diploma graduates
8 GED/ISAEP graduates
Our Spotlight Wall proudly showcases the hard work and dedication behind these successes. We are so proud of our students and grateful for the staff who support them every step of the way!
This is a reminder that there is no school for students on Monday and Tuesday, January 19 and 20.
Students will return to school on Wednesday, January 21, which will be an EVEN day.
Students will return to school on Wednesday, January 21, which will be an EVEN day.
Everything you see is made of atoms... and this week Ms. Trumbo’s class is making their own!
Our middle school scientists went "microscopic" this week, using craft supplies to build 3D models of elements. From pom-pom protons to yarn electron shells, we’re seeing exactly what makes up the world around us.
Our middle school scientists went "microscopic" this week, using craft supplies to build 3D models of elements. From pom-pom protons to yarn electron shells, we’re seeing exactly what makes up the world around us.
Today marks the last day of school before winter break!
We wish all students, families, and staff a safe, relaxing, and enjoyable break.
Students will return to the building on Monday, January 5, 2026, which will be an EVEN day.
Today we celebrate Bettie's last day at RA as she begins a much deserved retirement!
For the past seven years, Bettie has been a cornerstone of our school office—serving as bookkeeper, administrative assistant, substitute nurse, and an always listening ear to adults and students. No matter the task, she handled it with her bright smile, quick humor, and endless patience.
Bettie, thank you for all the ways you’ve supported our students, staff, and families. You will be missed, but we’re thrilled for you to enjoy time relaxing at the cabin and casting a line.
Join us in wishing her a happy and joyful retirement!
National Special Education Day
Today we celebrate the incredible work of our special education team!
A huge thank-you to Mr. Myers and Mr. Shifflett for their compassion and commitment they bring to our students.
We also want to recognize Ms. Trumbo’s many years as a SPED teacher before joining RA to teach middle schoolers—your experience and heart continue to make a difference every day.
Today we celebrate the incredible work of our special education team!
A huge thank-you to Mr. Myers and Mr. Shifflett for their compassion and commitment they bring to our students.
We also want to recognize Ms. Trumbo’s many years as a SPED teacher before joining RA to teach middle schoolers—your experience and heart continue to make a difference every day.
RCPS Two-Hour Delay – 12/02/2025
All RCPS schools will operate on a 2-hour delay Tuesday, December 2, 2025.
12-month employees should report at their regular time.
Road conditions vary across the county, so please use caution and allow extra travel time. RCPS will continue to monitor conditions and reevaluate if necessary. Any updates will be shared through official communication channels.
Yesterday, our entire school community came together for a wonderful Friendsgiving meal! Staff and teachers brought delicious homemade dishes, and our amazing students helped set up and make the space festive and welcoming.
It was a day filled with laughter, fellowship, and great food — a perfect reminder of how special our school family truly is.
Thank you to everyone who contributed and made this celebration so meaningful!
Have a fun and safe break! We'll see you in December!
It was a day filled with laughter, fellowship, and great food — a perfect reminder of how special our school family truly is.
Thank you to everyone who contributed and made this celebration so meaningful!
Have a fun and safe break! We'll see you in December!
Chain of Gratitude at RA
At the start of November, Ms. Crissell kicked off a school wide “Chain of Gratitude” to celebrate thankfulness all month long.
Students and staff added their own links to the chain, each one sharing something they’re grateful for — big or small. By the end of the month, our chain had grown into a beautiful display of positivity, kindness, and connection.
Thank you, Ms. Crissell, for inspiring us to pause, reflect, and appreciate the good in our lives.
Here’s to carrying that gratitude forward every day!
At the start of November, Ms. Crissell kicked off a school wide “Chain of Gratitude” to celebrate thankfulness all month long.
Students and staff added their own links to the chain, each one sharing something they’re grateful for — big or small. By the end of the month, our chain had grown into a beautiful display of positivity, kindness, and connection.
Thank you, Ms. Crissell, for inspiring us to pause, reflect, and appreciate the good in our lives.
Here’s to carrying that gratitude forward every day!
Middle School Science Spotlight!
Last week our students dove into an exciting lesson on the 4 States of Matter — solid, liquid, gas, and plasma!
From hands-on demos to lively discussions, our young scientists explored how particles move, change, and interact in each state.
We love seeing their curiosity grow as they discover what makes up the world around them!
Last week our students dove into an exciting lesson on the 4 States of Matter — solid, liquid, gas, and plasma!
From hands-on demos to lively discussions, our young scientists explored how particles move, change, and interact in each state.
We love seeing their curiosity grow as they discover what makes up the world around them!
14 boxed up FULL Thanksgiving meals ready to give to 14 RA families.
Rockingham Academy is humbled by donations that allowed us to sponsor 14 families this year with a Thanksgiving meal complete with turkey, potatoes, corn, rolls, and a pumpkin pie!
*2025RASpiritofGiving
Rockingham Academy is humbled by donations that allowed us to sponsor 14 families this year with a Thanksgiving meal complete with turkey, potatoes, corn, rolls, and a pumpkin pie!
*2025RASpiritofGiving
Happy Substitute Educators Day!
Today, we want to give a massive shout-out and thank you to the incredible individuals who step into our classrooms to keep our students learning and our school running smoothly.
We are especially grateful for our dedicated subs, Ms. Laura Cook and Ms. Deanna Wheelbarger! Thank you for your flexibility, commitment, and passion for education. You make a real difference!
Please join us in the comments by sharing a word of thanks to our amazing substitute educators!
Today, we want to give a massive shout-out and thank you to the incredible individuals who step into our classrooms to keep our students learning and our school running smoothly.
We are especially grateful for our dedicated subs, Ms. Laura Cook and Ms. Deanna Wheelbarger! Thank you for your flexibility, commitment, and passion for education. You make a real difference!
Please join us in the comments by sharing a word of thanks to our amazing substitute educators!
Happy Thanksgiving!
No school for students, Wednesday, November 26 thru Friday, November 28.
Students return on Monday, December 1 which will be an ODD day.
We hope you all have a restful and joy-filled break with your friends and family!
No school for students, Wednesday, November 26 thru Friday, November 28.
Students return on Monday, December 1 which will be an ODD day.
We hope you all have a restful and joy-filled break with your friends and family!
