Starting small with big goals! Our Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS) students began their culinary journey this week by perfecting their knife skills using playdough. It’s not just about cooking; it's about building safety and precision from the very first cut.
Students worked diligently on precision, learning that consistency in their cuts is key to even cooking and great-looking dishes by making french fries.
The sweetest sound in the kitchen? "YUM!" Our students brought it all together today, turning their practice into performance with these incredible jalapeño poppers. They did the prep, they did the cooking, and they earned the taste test. So proud!
Students worked diligently on precision, learning that consistency in their cuts is key to even cooking and great-looking dishes by making french fries.
The sweetest sound in the kitchen? "YUM!" Our students brought it all together today, turning their practice into performance with these incredible jalapeño poppers. They did the prep, they did the cooking, and they earned the taste test. So proud!
Let’s help stock the shelves at Rockingham Academy!
Rockingham Academy is proud to partner with Sentara RMH Wellness Center for a Snack Food Drive. This initiative supports the school’s resource room, ensuring students have access to the fuel they need to focus and succeed throughout the school day.
Check out the full story here for details on how you can get involved:
https://www.whsv.com/2026/03/06/rockingham-academy-sentara-rmh-wellness-center-host-snack-food-drive/
How to help: Drop off individually wrapped, non-perishable snacks at the Wellness Center today! Every donation makes a difference for a local student.
Rockingham Academy is proud to partner with Sentara RMH Wellness Center for a Snack Food Drive. This initiative supports the school’s resource room, ensuring students have access to the fuel they need to focus and succeed throughout the school day.
Check out the full story here for details on how you can get involved:
https://www.whsv.com/2026/03/06/rockingham-academy-sentara-rmh-wellness-center-host-snack-food-drive/
How to help: Drop off individually wrapped, non-perishable snacks at the Wellness Center today! Every donation makes a difference for a local student.
Our Family and Consumer Science (FACS) students turned the heat up to celebrate National FCCLA Week and CTE Month by whipping up a delicious spaghetti lunch for the entire school.
It wasn't just about the pasta—it was about teamwork, culinary skills, and community.
We want to give a massive shoutout to the RA Faculty! Thanks to your generous ingredient donations, our students were able to explore unlimited "Pastabilities." It’s amazing to see what happens when our staff and students simmer together to create something great.
National FCCLA Week: Highlighting the next generation of family and community leaders.
CTE Month: Celebrating Career and Technical Education that prepares students for the real world.
It wasn't just about the pasta—it was about teamwork, culinary skills, and community.
We want to give a massive shoutout to the RA Faculty! Thanks to your generous ingredient donations, our students were able to explore unlimited "Pastabilities." It’s amazing to see what happens when our staff and students simmer together to create something great.
National FCCLA Week: Highlighting the next generation of family and community leaders.
CTE Month: Celebrating Career and Technical Education that prepares students for the real world.
From raw lumber to finished masterpieces, the sawdust is flying in the shop! Our students have been hard at work mastering the craft of woodworking and local trades.
Check out some of the impressive projects currently taking shape:
Hand-crafted custom pens.
Wiring 3-way switch electricity boxes.
Sturdy, custom-built shelves.
Classic Adirondack chairs (the ultimate backyard flex).
We aren't just building for ourselves! Up next, the class will be crafting high-quality cutting boards as a special "Thank You" gift for our dedicated RCPS retirees.
We are so proud of the skills these students are building every single day. Stay tuned for photos of the finished products!
Check out some of the impressive projects currently taking shape:
Hand-crafted custom pens.
Wiring 3-way switch electricity boxes.
Sturdy, custom-built shelves.
Classic Adirondack chairs (the ultimate backyard flex).
We aren't just building for ourselves! Up next, the class will be crafting high-quality cutting boards as a special "Thank You" gift for our dedicated RCPS retirees.
We are so proud of the skills these students are building every single day. Stay tuned for photos of the finished products!
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!
