How can a student-run news network impact an entire school community? In this episode of RCPS Community Partner Cafe, we go behind the scenes of Broadway High School’s Gobbler News Network (GNN) with Broadway seniors Elijah and Leslie. From scriptwriting to live broadcasts, they share with host Katie LaPira about how this student-run program keeps …

What does it take to feed over 11,000 students every day? In this episode, Katie LaPira sits down with Jennifer Williams, Director of Food and Nutrition Services, to discuss the behind-the-scenes work that keeps Rockingham County students well-fed. Jennifer shares how her team of over 100 staff prepares meals across 23 schools, incorporates locally…

What’s next for Rockingham County Public Schools? In this milestone 20th episode of the RCPS Community Partner Cafe, host Katie LaPira chats with Superintendent Dr. Larry Shifflett to discuss the district’s proposed comprehensive plan for 2024 to 2029. This proposed roadmap is designed to shape the future of education, safety, and community engagem…

How can schools create a safe, supportive environment where every student feels seen and valued? Host Katie LaPira welcomes Liza Coffman, Director of Student Support Services for Rockingham County Schools, to discuss how RCPS supports students' behavioral and emotional needs. Katie and Liza explore RCPS’s three-tiered system for student support. Li…

What is RCPS doing to help prioritize safety? In today’s episode, host Katie LaPira sits down with Caleb Bailey, the newly appointed Director of School Safety and Security for Rockingham County Public Schools. Caleb shares insights from his extensive background in emergency response and discusses the comprehensive steps he's taking to elevate safet…

What happens when working hard still isn’t enough to make ends meet? United Way is here to help our community. In today's episode, your host Katie LaPira explores the vital work of the United Way of Harrisonburg and Rockingham County, an organization dedicated to empowering all community members, including those who often find themselves barely mak…

Are you curious about what is new in RCPS this school year? In episode 16 of RCPS Community Partner Cafe, host Katie LaPira answers community questions and shares important updates for the upcoming school year. From back-to-school nights to enrollment procedures, Katie provides all the essential information families need to get ready for the new ac…

Are you wondering how to keep your child's brain active and engaged during the summer break? Listen in to hear the benefits of reading in the summer as host Katie LaPira sits down with Kim Tate, the Language Arts and Library Supervisor for Rockingham County Public Schools, to discuss how powerful reading can be. Kim provides practical advice on mak…

Are you curious about STEM and science activities in our schools? Today, host Katie LaPira chats with Tammy Stone, the Science, STEM, and Challenge Supervisor for Rockingham County Public Schools. Tammy shares exciting insights into the hands-on learning experiences of RCPS students. From dissecting owl pellets to exploring watershed ecosystems, st…

How do the fine arts integrate into the social and brain development of our students? What initiatives does RCPS have that strengthen opportunities for our students? Listen in as host Katie LaPira talks with guest Becky Ford, Supervisor of the Fine Arts for RCPS. Becky shares with Katie about the integral ways that RCPS incorporates the fine arts i…

Are you wondering about how to help your child with math? Today’s guest Amanda Rickard, Supervisor of Math with Rockingham County Public Schools, joins host Katie LaPira to talk about the new math standards and actionable steps family members can take to support our students in math. Amanda talks about how math instruction has evolved over time and…

What happens when weather events cause potential school disruptions? In today’s episode of RCPS Community Partner Cafe, Director of Transportation 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 …

How does RCPS help students prepare for their next steps after high school? In this special episode, student host Leo Johnson talks with two RCPS seniors about their plans after high school. Leo, Clayton, and James reflect on their time in RCPS, share what helped them along their current paths, and provide tips for students and parents looking to g…

What can career coaches do to help RCPS high school students? RCPS career coaches Jessica Baker and Liz Whiston-Dean join Katie LaPira and Donna Delisle to share about how career coaches at the RCPS high schools can support all students with their pathways after high school. As Liz and Jessica share, they can help students with activities such as i…

How can we better support our children in middle and high school? In this episode, middle school counselor Laura Ogden and high school counselor Sandy King join Katie and Donna to share about the unique challenges and opportunities that middle and high school students face and how parents and guardians can provide support. Laura and Sandy share ins…

Are you wondering how to help your elementary school child with school transitions as we settle into a new school year? Listen in to hear RCPS elementary guidance counselor Lindsey Bateman share tips and tricks for parents and family members to use to help our younger children navigate the changes that come with the start of school. Lindsey shares …

What can parents and caregivers do to help students enhance their cognitive abilities? Although learning about the brain can be complex, the steps parents and caregivers can take to help with cognitive development can be quite simple. RCPS school psychologist Dr. Phil Wickline shares with host Donna DeLisle about cognitive functioning, developing b…

What will the first one hundred days look like with the new RCPS superintendent, Dr. Larry Shifflett? In episode 5 of RCPS Community Partner Café, your host Katie LaPira talks with Dr. Shifflett about his plans for the first one hundred days in his time as the new superintendent of Rockingham County Public Schools. Dr. Shifflett shares about his pl…

Do you know the role of school nurses and the vital role they play within our school communities? In this timely episode, your hosts Katie LaPira and Donna Delisle talk with Ashley Houff and Myra Hensley about the way that school nurses have become an important part of school communities and how those roles have changed over time. Listen in to hear…

Do you know what services are available to your student with an IEP or a 504 plan? Do you know how to get support for a student who could qualify for special services but has not yet been assessed? In this informative episode, special education experts Sarah Fawley and Melissa Bentley join your hosts Donna Delisle and Katie LaPira to share about sp…

What do you know about how public education came to the United States? In this episode, Donna Delisle talks with RCPS Social Studies Supervisor Beau Dickenson about the history of public education in the US and specifically in Virginia. With a grounding in major historical events, historian Beau Dickenson reflects on the beginning of American publi…

Are you looking for ways to better support your child? In this episode, Katie LaPira, RCPS Coordinator of Community Engagement, talks with RCPS social workers including Donna Delisle, Ashlea Link, and Alexis Dovel, who share about specific challenges for each age group and what you as parents and guardians can do to best support your children as th…

Listen to the RCPS Community Partner Café with your hosts Katie LaPira and Donna Delisle of Rockingham County Public Schools in Virginia. As Katie and Donna share in the trailer, this podcast focuses on achieving the RCPS mission to empower all learners through conversations with guests who work within the RCPS schools and community. Subscribe to s…