RCPS Community Partner Cafe

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 studen...

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...

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 suppo...

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 ...

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 ...

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-...

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 bysta...

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 grad...

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 f...

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 wha...

How exactly are public schools funded—and where does all the money actually go? In this episode, Katie is joined by Justin Moyers, Chief Financial Officer for Rockingham County Public Schools, to break down the myths and realities of school budgeting. They discuss where funding comes from (and where it doesn’t), what makes up the largest expenses, and how local, state, and federal sources all play a role in what RCPS is...

Professional development is an essential part of education, but how do we ensure it’s meaningful, relevant, and engaging for teachers? In this episode, host Katie LaPira sits down with Donna Abernathy, Assistant Superintendent of Innovation and Learning, to discuss how Rockingham County Public Schools is reimagining professional development—designed by educators, for educators.

Donna shares how RCPS is prioritizing teac...

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 their peers informed and engaged.

Elijah and Leslie discuss what makes GNN dif...

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-sourced ingredients, and meets federal nutrition guidelines—all while accommod...

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 engagement in Rockingham County. 

Dr. Shifflett unpacks the six key focus ...

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. Liza explains her role in overseeing the programs that focus on behavior support ...

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 safety within the school system, including the introduction of cutting-edge technolo...

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 making ends meet.

Katie talks with Jo Benjamin, Director of Community Impact, an...

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 academic year. Katie also highlights the vital role of community partnerships in suppor...