Our campus is looking brighter, fresher, and more colorful today thanks to our incredible School Beautification Day on May 15!

Students and staff members rolled up their sleeves and worked side-by-side to give our school’s outdoor spaces some major love. From clearing out old weeds to spreading fresh mulch, everyone brought their A-game.

We planted a variety of gorgeous new flowers in our beds and planters to welcome everyone with a pop of color! Be sure to keep an eye out for the beautiful, custom stepping stones handmade by our very own students!

Ms. Meadows and Deputy Neumann took this time to recreate the painting, American Gothic by Grant Wood (or the show Green Acres depending on who you ask!)

A massive THANK YOU to everyone who came out, got their hands dirty, and helped make our school a more beautiful place to learn and grow every day.
6 days ago, Rockingham Academy
Two photos showing individuals planting flowers and shrubs, with a building and parked vehicles in the background.
Four photos of a garden. One shows flowers in a planter, another shows a flower bed. One shows a sign.
Two people stand outside a brick building with flowers. One holds a cane, the other wears a police uniform. Text reads, "Ms. Meadows and Deputy Neumann are ready to get to work."
On May 13, our hard-working students traded their desks for shovels to make a lasting green impact in our community. They spent the afternoon planting trees to help rehabilitate the local landscape and build a more sustainable future.

This amazing hands-on project was provided by the Harrisonburg Urban Forestry Program and proudly sponsored by the Virginia Department of Forestry.

A massive thank you to our incredible teachers, Mr. Rhodes, Mr. Shifflett, and Ms. Trumbo, as well as Jeremy Harold (Harrisonburg City Green Space Manager) and Meredith Evans (Rockingham County Landfill Superintendent) for organizing this effort and guiding our students!

Shovels up for the next generation of environmental leaders!
7 days ago, Rockingham Academy
A group of people in green vests and hats stand in a grassy area with trees. Below, a banner displays "Tree Planting provided by the Harrisonburg Urban Forestry Program."
Volunteers plant trees in a grassy area, with one planting and others digging around the base.
Two panels depict people planting trees. One panel shows people digging soil; another shows one person holding a shovel.
Two photos of people planting trees. One group stands in a field, another plants a sapling. Both wear orange vests.

Our students traded the classroom for the grass ! A group from Rockingham Academy headed out to Heritage Oaks Golf Course for an awesome field trip led by Mr. Rice and Mr. Myers.

It wasn't just about practicing their swing (though there was plenty of that!); it was a great opportunity for our students to:

Learn the fundamentals of the game.

Practice sportsmanship and patience on the course.

Explore the outdoors and see the work that goes into maintaining a professional-grade facility.

A huge thank you to the team at Heritage Oaks for hosting us and to our instructors for leading the way. Whether they were hitting birdies or just hitting the sand, everyone walked away with some new skills!

13 days ago, Nancy Hill
A golfer swings a club at a golf simulator with a large screen. Balls lie scattered on the green mat.
Person dressed in pink shirt and black pants practices golf on a lawn with green grass.
Golfers on a fairway with mountains in the background. Some are in groups, others are alone.
Three photos: four people on a golf course, a group in a room, and a golf ball on a tee.
We are incredibly proud to announce that our student, Rebecca, has won first place in the 9th-12th grade category of the 29th Annual Robert B. and Gladys Hopkins Strickler Honored Teachers Essay Contest!

Since 1997, this prestigious contest hosted by Massanutten Regional Library has invited students across the Valley to write from the heart about an educator who has changed their life. Out of countless entries from Harrisonburg, Rockingham, and Page Counties, Rebecca’s essay about her teacher from East Rockingham High School, Mr. Michael, stood out to the Kiwanis Club of Harrisonburg judges for its sincerity and impact.

The Honored Teachers Essay Contest is a beautiful tradition that celebrates the power of mentorship. By sharing her story, she helped shine a spotlight on the incredible work our teachers do every day.

We are so proud of you!
14 days ago, Rockingham Academy
A group of people standing in a room with carpeted floors, some wearing glasses, ties, and boots.
During lunch the one day, Jacob asked Mr. Rhodes what his next project would be in class. Mr. Rhodes told him they would be sweat soldering using a propane torch and solder!

Needless to say, he’s all in now. There is nothing quite like the pride that comes from working with your own hands and mastering a new skill (even the "intimidating" ones!).

Check out these shots of Jacob in action—great work!
17 days ago, Rockingham Academy
Two images: one shows a copper pipe being soldered with a torch, the other depicts a person soldering copper with a soldering iron.
Two photos of a person in a workshop. One shows the person sanding a wooden bench, the other shows the person working on a chair.
What a fantastic day on the course last Friday! Rockingham Academy was proud to hit the fairway in support of the Rockingham Educational Fund, Inc. (REFI) annual golf tournament.

Representing the Academy this year were Mr. Rice, Mr. Eberly, Mr. Myers, and Mr. Carte. While we’ll let them keep their official scorecards a secret, their commitment to supporting our local students and teachers was clear with every swing!

The REFI tournament isn't just about a round of golf; it’s about: Funding innovative classroom grants, Providing scholarships for graduating seniors, and support for our educators.

A huge thank you to REFI for organizing such a wonderful event and to everyone who came out to support the future of Rockingham County Public Schools.
18 days ago, Rockingham Academy
Two photos: one shows a golf cart on a course, another shows a man and woman smiling.
A golfer on a green, with a club in hand, surrounded by trees and a building. The golfer wears a hat and a blue shirt.
Two golf cart views with a golfer in the distance. A score card is displayed on the left with 18 holes.
Not all heroes wear capes—some wear scrubs!

Today is School Nurse Appreciation Day, and we want to take a moment to shine a spotlight on our incredible school nurse, Jaclyn Muterspaugh.

From headaches and mystery tummy aches to being a calming, listening ear when students need it most, she keeps our school running safely and happily every single day. Thank you for your endless patience, your expert care, and for being such an essential part of our RA family!
19 days ago, Rockingham Academy
A colorful background with the text "Thank You" and a stethoscope. A photo of a smiling woman, Ms. Jaclyn Muterspaugh.
Congratulations, Class of 2026!
Graduation ceremonies are right around the corner. We are so proud of each and every one of you!

Graduation ceremonies for the 2025-2026 school year will be held at the Atlantic Union Bank Center at JMU.

Massanutten Technical Center: Wednesday, May 27, 2026 @ 7:00 pm
East Rockingham High School: Thursday, May 28, 2026 @ 7:00 pm
Spotswood High School: Friday, May 29, 2026 @ 7:00 pm
Turner Ashby High School: Saturday, May 30, 2026 @ 9:30 am
Broadway High School: Saturday, May 30, 2026 @ 1:00 pm
24 days ago, Rockingham Academy
A poster lists 2026 graduation ceremonies at various schools, May 27-30, at Atlantic Union Bank Center at JMU.

Today is School Principals Day, and we couldn’t let the moment pass without honoring the incredible Ms. Lea Dean!

Leading a school is no small feat—it takes a mix of grace, grit, and a genuine love for every student who walks through these doors. Ms. Dean does it all with a smile and an unwavering commitment to excellence.

She sets the bar high and helps us all reach it. Whether it’s high-fives in the hallway or solving big problems, she always puts our kids first. And she doesn’t just run a school; she builds a family. Thank you, Ms. Dean!

One of the ways we celebrated with her today was making homemake SpaghettiOs that staff and students got to enjoy during lunch!

24 days ago, Rockingham Academy
Multiple photos of people smiling, with one holding a framed certificate, on a yellow background. "Thank You!" in colorful letters.
Poster with colorful drawing of a woman holding a bowl and four children holding plates. Text reads "Happy Principals' Day! Thank you for all you do!"
A woman in a black hoodie smiles, holding a bowl of food, with a crockpot and condiments on a table in a room.
A woman wearing a black hoodie holds a blue bowl in front of a crockpot on a table.
It’s School Bus Driver Appreciation Day!

Today, we are celebrating the incredible team of drivers who ensure our students arrive at school and return home safely every single day. We are especially proud to highlight two staff members who truly go above and beyond!

A huge shout-out to Mr. Travis Myers (one of our SPED teacher) and Mr. Dan Rolfe (our High School Math teacher). Not only do they dedicate their time to educating our students in the classroom, but they also get behind the wheel to drive their own bus routes!

Thank you, Travis and Dan, for your dual dedication to our school community, and thank you to every driver who helps our students start and end their day on a safe note. We appreciate everything you do!
27 days ago, Rockingham Academy
Two men smiling in photos on either side of a yellow school bus with text "Thank You" in front.
Our Agriculture students have been hard at work lately, trading textbooks for tools to help our community get a head start on the summer season!

Mr. Rhodes’ classes are putting their practical skills to the test with these exciting projects:

Students are sharpening lawn mower blades to ensure everyone’s yards are cut clean and looking their best for the season. They are also crafting custom decorative concrete molds, perfect for adding a personal touch to any flower bed. Students are working on their green thumbs by planting and nurturing fresh herbs!

We are so proud to see our students applying their classroom knowledge to real-world projects that help our community thrive. Whether it's landscaping or lawn care, these students are proving that hard work (and a little dirt under the fingernails) really pays off!
about 1 month ago, Rockingham Academy
A woman in a workshop uses a grinder on a wooden table. A safety sign reading "Safety First" is placed in the foreground.
Two people in hoodies use power tools on a wooden workbench. A lawn mower graphic appears below the photos.
Two photos show a garden with a small tree and decorative stones, and a person mixing cement in a wheelbarrow.
Two people in black jackets, wearing boots, mix concrete in wheelbarrows; one on a grassy lawn.
Three images: A woman plants seeds in a cup, a hand holds a sprouting plant, and a woman waters a potted plant.
A collage with two images. One image shows plants in pots on a metal cart. Another shows a person watering plants outside a brick building.
Celebrating the Heart of Our School!

Yesterday was Administrative Professionals Day, and we are so incredibly lucky to have Ms. Chrissy Estep and Ms. Cherie Driver on our team.

From keeping our daily operations running smoothly to greeting our students and families with warmth every single day, Chrissy and Cherie are the glue that holds our school community together. We truly couldn’t do it without you!

Thank you!
about 1 month ago, Rockingham Academy
Two women, Ms. Chrissy Estep and Ms. Cherie Driver, are smiling. Colorful hands hold signs spelling out "THANK YOU".
Our PE classes took advantage of the beautiful weather today to hit the "links" (okay, the side field, but close enough!). Mr. Rice moved the action outdoors to give his students some room to work on their golf swings.

From mastering the perfect grip to finding that smooth follow-through, our students are looking like future pros. Whether they were hitting hole-in-ones or just enjoying the fresh air, the energy was high and the form was (mostly) fly!
about 1 month ago, Rockingham Academy
Multiple scenes of a golf course. One shows a golfer in action, another shows a flag on the green.
Three photos show people on a grass field. The first photo shows three people, the second has a golf icon, the third has crossed golf clubs, and the fourth has a golf ball icon.
Four photos of people playing a game outdoors, in front of a building. Players use a disc or frisbee.
A group of people on a golf course, some with golf clubs, on a sunny day.
Five individuals are standing on a grassy field with buildings in the background. They appear to be practicing a sport.
On March 17th, our Family and Consumer Science students walked into a chaotic scene! A mischievous leprechaun had completely trashed our kitchen space.

But instead of cleaning up, our students stepped into their roles as elite CSI investigators. Their mission? Scour the kitchen for "clues"—aka hidden safety violations—identify the causes, and determine how to prevent these culinary crimes in the future.

The investigation was a huge success, and the team earned a sweet reward: homemade Shamrock Shakes!
about 2 months ago, Rockingham Academy
Collage of two images. First, people in a kitchen with a caution tape. Second, a person in a lab coat holding a beaker.
A kitchen with people investing a "crime scene" in the kitchen. Two individuals with hoodies. A stove, cabinets, and a trash bin.
Two images show students in a kitchen area. One depicts a person in a black hoodie. The other shows a person in a white t-shirt working at a microwave.
Two photos, one of two women in a classroom holding cups, another of a woman in a kitchen holding a cup.
We are so happy to have our students back in the building today!

Take a look at some fun moments from our Spirit Week before Spring Break!
We celebrated Adam Sandler Day, Dress to Impress Day, PJ Day, Twin Day, and Swap Day—and our students and staff brought the spirit all week long!
about 2 months ago, Rockingham Academy
Montage of various photos of people in casual attire, with text overlay "Adam Sandler Day" in the center.
Collage of individuals dressed in themed outfits with text "Dress Up Day" in center. Background is blurred.
Collage of people in various attires; one person in a cowboy hat and vest. Caption reads "Dress Up Day".
Collage of people wearing pajamas. Text reads "PJ DAY". Backgrounds include school hallways and rooms.
Multiple photos show people in a school hallway. Text reads "Switch Day". A US flag hangs behind some people.
Montage of multiple photos with text "Switch Day". Various individuals in different school hallways, posing with others.
Four photos: two women with Virginia sweatshirts, two women in hallway, two women in room, and two pairs of boots.
Four individuals pose in various indoor settings, with two women in front of a hallway and two men in front of a door.
THAT'S A WRAP ON SPIRIT WEEK!

We're closing out a fantastic week with one final theme, and it’s all about maximum comfort. Tomorrow, Friday, March 27th, it's Dress like Adam Sandler Day! We want to see those baggy shorts, oversized t-shirts, and mismatched patterns.

Outfit Essentials:
E xtra-large t-shirts (sports teams are a bonus!)
Baggy basketball shorts or sweatpants
A cap, a wide-brim hat, or sunglasses
Casual sneakers with high socks

Take inspiration from the photo or just find your comfiest, least-matched clothes. Let’s make this final day of Spirit Week one to remember!
2 months ago, Rockingham Academy
An informational graphic for a school spirit day. At the top, a teal-blue arrow contains the text "Fri 3/27 Dress like Adam Sandler Day." Below the banner, three paparazzi photos of Adam Sandler are displayed, showcasing his signature casual style. The left photo shows him in a light blue floral shirt and grey shorts. The center photo shows him in a green plaid shirt and blue basketball shorts. The right photo shows him in a blue Superman t-shirt and blue basketball shorts. In all three photos, he is wearing oversized, baggy clothing and sunglasses.

TIME TO SHINE!

Trade the hoodies for high fashion, because tomorrow, Thursday, March 26th, is Dress to Impress Day! Whether you want to channel your inner royalty, look like a secret agent, or just show off your sharpest style, we want to see you in your absolute best.

Outfit Inspiration:

Suits, blazers, and ties

Fancy dresses or skirts

Top hats, tiaras, or sparkling accessories

Let's make the hallways look like a red carpet event! Don't forget to strike a pose!

2 months ago, Rockingham Academy
Various clothing items: a black suit, pink dress, red tie, white gown, crown, top hat, and hat. Date reads "3/26".
THE GREAT SWAP IS TOMORROW!

Get those outfits ready, because tomorrow, Wednesday, March 25th, we’re switching roles!

Students: It’s time to raid the "professional" section of your closet. Think blazers, cardigans, ties, lanyards, and maybe carry around a coffee mug.

Teachers: Time to embrace the comfort! Hoodies, sneakers, and maybe even a backpack? Let’s see your best student style.

We can't wait to see who pulls off the best transformation.
2 months ago, Rockingham Academy
An informational graphic for a school spirit day. At the top, a pink arrow contains the text "Wed 3/25 Swap! Students dress like teachers, Teachers dress like students." Below the text, there are two illustrations: a formal white collared shirt with a striped tie on the left, and a casual mustard-yellow hoodie on the right. Large green and red arrows curve between the two outfits, signifying the "swap."
Spirit Week continues tomorrow!

Get ready for Twin Day on Tuesday (3/24)! Grab a friend and dress alike to show off your matching style.

We love seeing all the creative pairs—don’t miss out on the fun!
2 months ago, Rockingham Academy
A colorful school spirit graphic promotes “Twin Day” on Tuesday, March 24. A large blue banner at the top reads “Tue 3/24 Twin Day.” Below, illustrations show pairs of matching characters: two students dressed alike with the word “Twinning!” between them, and two identical red-suited characters with blue hair labeled “Thing 1” and “Thing 2.” The design emphasizes dressing alike with a friend for the themed day.
Reminder! Spirit Week starts tomorrow!

Kick things off on Monday (3/23) with PJ Day! Wear your favorite pajamas and get comfy while showing your school spirit.

We can’t wait to see everyone’s cozy and creative looks—don’t forget to join in the fun!
2 months ago, Rockingham Academy
A bright, playful graphic promotes “PJ Day” on Monday, March 23. The top features a large yellow banner with the text “Mon 3/23 PJ Day.” Below, several illustrated figures wear cozy pajamas: one person in a dinosaur onesie holding a steaming mug, another in a light blue bunny onesie stretching, a black-and-white cartoon character yawning with arms raised, and a person in a teal onesie holding a pillow. The overall design emphasizes comfort and fun for a school spirit day.