June 17, 2025
Ribbon Cutting Set for $4.7 Million Field House at Northern Nash on June 6
Two Nash County Public Schools Assistant Principals Complete Statewide Leadership Program    NASHVILLE, N.C. (May 29, 2025) – Nash County Public Schools congratulates Cara Patterson, assistant principal at Northern Nash High School, and Tracy Spence, assistant principal at Nash Central High School, on completing the prestigious Future-Ready Leadership program offered by the North Carolina Principals and Assistant Principals’ Association.  The yearlong Future-Ready Leadership program is a rigorous development initiative designed to prepare assistant principals for future roles as effective school leaders. Aligned with the North Carolina School Executive Standards, the program includes six in-person training sessions in Raleigh, along with guided interim activities to reinforce key leadership strategies.  Patterson and Spence were selected for the 2024–25 cohort through a competitive application process that required endorsements from their principals and the district superintendent.  “Being part of the Future-Ready Leadership program was truly eye-opening,” said Spence. “It challenged me to reflect deeply on my leadership style and provided practical strategies that I can bring back to Nash Central High School. The connections I made with fellow educators were invaluable, and I feel more equipped and inspired to support our students and staff in meaningful ways.”  “This has been an enriching experience that allowed me to build meaningful relationships and make valuable connections with other assistant principals and educational leaders from across the state,” said Patterson. “Through this program, I aligned my professional development plan with the cohort’s goals, which helped me grow as a leader and strengthen key leadership skills. This experience has been instrumental in shaping my leadership journey and enhancing my impact within my school community.”        “We are incredibly proud of Ms. Patterson and Ms. Spence for their commitment to professional growth and leadership,” said Dr. Steve Ellis, superintendent of Nash County Public Schools. “Their dedication to improving their craft directly benefits our schools and the students they serve. Programs like Future-Ready Leadership build the foundation for strong school leadership across North Carolina.”   ###  Media Contact: Heather Louise Finch, Executive Director of Communication/Public Information Officer hlfinch@ncpschools.net
For Immediate Release:   ***PUBLIC NOTICE and MEDIA ALERT***   Board of Education Committees Meetings on Thursday, May 29, 2025   WHAT:       	The Nash Board of Education will hold the following scheduled meetings on Thursday, May 29, 2025 beginning at 5:00 p.m.  ●	Administrative Services & Operations Committee  ●	Policy Committee ●	Academic Services & Accountability Committee ●	Student Support Services & Operations WHO: 	Meetings are open to the public.  WHERE:    	Nash County Public Schools Administrative Building   	930 Eastern Avenue                   	Nashville, N.C. 27856  CONTACT:    	Carrie Davis  Board of Education Clerk  cbdavis@ncpschools.net or (252) 462-2511            View a live video stream of the meeting with any web browser by clicking www.youtube.com/c/PRDptment.   Special Accommodations  Anyone who requires disability accommodations or may have trouble accessing the live video stream on May 29, 2025 is encouraged to contact Carrie Davis at 252-462-2511 or cbdavis@ncpschools.net prior to the day of the meeting to explore whether alternative arrangements can be made for viewing the meeting.        ###
 NCPS 2025 Graduation Announcement  NASHVILLE, N.C. — Approximately 1,025 seniors from Nash County Public Schools will graduate this spring in a series of ceremonies across various high schools. Graduations are scheduled as follows: •	Nash-Rocky Mount Early College High: Tuesday, May 20, at 2 p.m. •	CITI High School: Tuesday, May 20, at 4 p.m. •	Tar River Academy: Tuesday, June 10, at 6 p.m. •	Rocky Mount High School: Saturday, June 14, at 9 a.m. •	Nash Central High School: Saturday, June 14, at 11 a.m. •	Northern Nash High School: Friday, June 13, at 9 a.m. •	Nash Everywhere Digital Academy: Friday, June 13, at 11 a.m. •	Southern Nash High School: Friday, June 13, at 1 p.m. Families, friends, teachers, board members and district administrators will come together to honor the achievements of the graduates. All graduations are ticketed, in-person events. Guests must have a ticket for entry. Specific details for each school, including live streaming information, are provided below. The Nash-Rocky Mount Early College High School graduation will take place in the Brown Auditorium on the Nash Community College campus. CITI High School's ceremony will also be held in the Brown Auditorium. Tar River Academy's ceremony is scheduled at Rocky Mount Middle School. Nash Central, Northern Nash, Southern Nash and Rocky Mount High Schools will host their graduations in their respective gymnasiums. Nash Everywhere Digital Academy will celebrate its graduates at Englewood Baptist Church. For full video coverage of the ceremonies, visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YmOj-rryxpw&list=PLvW9Taw14ssT6ZDEOF69tw2ffN8imzjhw&index=8 ### Media Contact: Heather Louise Finch, Executive Director of Communication/Public Information Officer hlfinch@ncpschools.net
Rocky Mount High School Student Government Earns National Award ROCKY MOUNT, N.C. (May 20, 2025) – The Rocky Mount High School Student Government Association (SGA) has been recognized as a 2025 National Council of Excellence by the National Association of Student Councils (NASC), in recognition of its outstanding leadership, service, and dedication to school and community improvement. The NASC program is supported by the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP). Rocky Mount High’s SGA has a strong tradition of student leadership. For the past two years, the group has served as Eastern District Chair of the North Carolina Association of Student Councils (NCASC), hosting the Eastern District Leadership Conference and welcoming student leaders from across eastern North Carolina. The SGA has also been named a 2023–24 and 2024–25 Louise Hunter State Honor Council and was previously recognized as a 2024 National Council of Excellence. “The student council at Rocky Mount High School just pulled off something extraordinary,” said NASSP CEO Ronn Nozoe. “Their student-driven change has earned them national recognition as a National Council of Excellence, proving that when young people are given the chance to lead, they turn their vision into real-world impact.” “The whole SGA has worked hard,” said Kenneth Jones, SGA advisor. “The leadership of President Kennedy Farmer has been essential to their continued success. Our students are awesome. I appreciate being able to work with them.” “It’s truly an honor for us to be recognized for a remarkable achievement not once but twice for this honor,” said Nysira Smith, junior class president. “Being a part of our SGA has been one of the most meaningful parts of my high school experience. We work together learning the power of teamwork. We work together at school events aiming to ensure a meaningful, fun, and supportive Gryphon experience and being the student voice on campus.” “To observe the appreciation and honor given to this ambitious council instills me with extensive gratitude,” said Kennedy Farmer, SGA president. “A tear is nearly shed by the appreciation of our accomplishments, especially considering the time, sweat, and tears put into every project we execute. We sincerely thank the National Council of Student Councils for giving us a sense of great honor, which is even more pleasurable considering the tribulations faced along the way. Thank you!” To receive the National Council of Excellence Award, student councils must meet rigorous criteria, including maintaining a written constitution, holding regular meetings, conducting democratic elections, and demonstrating success in leadership development and community service. ###  Media Contact: Heather Louise Finch, Executive Director of Communication/Public Information Officer hlfinch@ncpschools.net
Public Notice and Media Alert  Joint Meeting with Nash Board of Education and Nash County Commissioners Wednesday, May 14, 2025    The Nash Board of Education and the Nash County Commissioners will hold a joint meeting on Wednesday, May 14, 2025, at 6:00 p.m.  	     Nash County MedPark Building 500 Nash Medical Arts Mall Rocky Mount, NC 27804 	 Contact: Carrie Davis, Board of Education Clerk, cbdavis@ncpschools.net or (252) 462-2511  	 	 	 	 	 	  View a live video stream of the meeting with any web browser by clicking here: https://www.youtube.com/@PRDptment.  Special Accommodations  Anyone who requires disability accommodations or may have trouble accessing the live video stream on May 14, 2025 is encouraged to contact Carrie Davis at 252-462-2511 or cbdavis@ncpschool.net prior to the day of the meeting to explore whether alternative arrangements can be made for viewing the meeting.  ###  Media Contact: Heather Louise Finch, Executive Director of Communication/Public Information Officer hlfinch@ncpschools.net
Nash County Public Schools Announces 2025 Educator of the Year Finalists  NASH COUNTY, N.C. (May 8, 2025) — Nash County Public Schools has announced its 2025 Educator of the Year finalists, recognizing outstanding educators and support staff across the district. Winners will be honored during the annual Educator of the Year Celebration on Tuesday, May 20, at Benvenue Country Club. The celebration highlights excellence in education by recognizing Teachers of the Year, First-Year Teachers of the Year, Teacher Assistants of the Year, Assistant Principals of the Year, and Principals of the Year. For the first time, the district has expanded the event to include a new division: Student Instructional Support Personnel of the Year. This new category honors staff who contribute to student wellness and academic success outside the traditional classroom. New awards include Counselor of the Year, Social Worker of the Year, School Nurse of the Year, and Psychologist of the Year. 2025–2026 Finalists Student Instructional Support Personnel of the Year ●	Trish Weeks – School Counselor ●	Beth Jenkins – School Nurse ●	Laysha Williams – School Social Worker ●	Andrea Snyder – School Psychologist Teacher Assistant of the Year Finalists ●	Taniqua Rackley – Williford Elementary ●	Bernice Battle Smith – Rocky Mount Middle ●	Sonya Pickett – Rocky Mount High Assistant Principal of the Year Nominees ●	Ronnie Bridges – Englewood Elementary ●	DeWayne Ward – Southern Nash Middle ●	Cara Patterson – Northern Nash High Principal of the Year Finalists ●	Courtney Land – Coopers Elementary ●	Michael Girouard – Red Oak Middle ●	Thomas McGeachy – Nash Early College High Teacher of the Year Finalists ●	Georgette Thompson – Edwards Elementary ●	Matthew Bissette – Southern Nash Middle ●	Caroline Winchester – Nash Central High First-Year Teacher of the Year Finalists ●	Erica Puente – Bailey Elementary ●	Reena Simmons – Rocky Mount Middle ●	Jessica Manning – Southern Nash High Nash County Public Schools extends a special thank-you to the generous sponsors who make this celebration possible: Pierce Benefits Group, First Carolina Bank, Hedgepeth-Hutson Insurance Services, Southern Bank, Communities in Schools, Edward Jones Investments - Cliff Joyner’s office in Nashville, Davenport, Bailey’s Fine Jewelry, Herff Jones, and Lamar. For more information about the Educator of the Year program, contact the Department of Communications at Nash County Public Schools.  ### Media Contact: Heather Louise Finch, Executive Director of Communication/Public Information Officer hlfinch@ncpschools.net
Public Notice and Media Alert     Board of Education Work Session and Regular Meeting on  May 5, 2025  The Nash Board of Education will hold the following scheduled meetings on Monday, May 5, 2025, at 5:00 p.m.  Board of Education Work Session Regular Scheduled Board of Education Meeting  Meetings are open to the public.   Nash County Public Schools Administrative Building located at 930 Eastern Avenue Nashville, N.C. 27856   View a live video stream of the meeting with any web browser by clicking www.youtube.com/c/PRDptment.   Contact: Board of Education Clerk, Carrie Davis, cbdavis@ncpschools.net or (252) 462-2511   The work session will begin at 5:00 p.m.   Following the opening of the work session, the Board will go into closed session. The Board will then return to open session for the regular business meeting. Members of the public will have access to view all public portions of the work session meeting and regular meeting (i.e., every part except closed session): ●	View a live video stream of the meeting with any web browser by clicking here: www.youtube.com/c/PRDptment.  Public Comment The public comment portion of the regular business meeting will be held at the time shown on the agenda. Members of the public will have the opportunity to submit public comments in one of these ways:  1.	join the meeting in-person and comment publicly;  2.	submit a written comment by email during the designated time period to be read aloud by staff.   Each person is limited to one public comment, whether written or spoken, per meeting.  Any Individual or group may contact Carrie Davis at 252-462-2511 or cbdavis@ncpschools.net in the Superintendents’ office to indicate their desire to address the board. The deadline is 12:00 pm, May 5, 2025.   Rules of Order and Decorum All of the Board’s normal rules of order and decorum for public address apply to comments submitted in-person, electronically or in writing. The Chair may rule written comments out of order in the same manner as spoken comments. Special Accommodations Anyone who requires disability accommodations or may have trouble accessing the live video stream on May 5, 2025 is encouraged to contact Carrie Davis at 252-462-2511 or cbdavis@ncpschools.net  prior to the day of the meeting to explore whether alternative arrangements can be made for viewing the meeting.  ###  Media Contact: Heather Louise Finch, Executive Director of Communication/Public Information Officer hlfinch@ncpschools.net
   Board of Education Committee Meetings Scheduled for Thursday, May 1, 2025
 State Lawmakers Visit Nash County Schools for NC Legislators in Schools Week  NASH COUNTY, N.C. (April 14, 2025) – In celebration of NC Legislators in Schools Week, Nash County Public Schools welcomed two state lawmakers on Friday to connect with students and highlight the importance of public education. At Coopers Elementary School, Rep. Dante Pittman, District 24, was greeted by Principal Courtney Land before meeting with all kindergarten students. He read I Will Be Fierce! by Bea Birdsong, sharing a message of bravery, determination and self-expression. “It was a pleasure to meet and read to students from Coopers Elementary,” said Rep. Pittman. “Schools like Coopers are the heart of our communities. Seeing those smiling faces and hearing from students reminds us that we owe it to our students to work for their future.”  At Benvenue Elementary School, Sen. Lisa Barnes was welcomed by Principal Kristen Tedford and a team of student ambassadors who led her on a brief tour. She received a presentation from the school’s Student Government Association, met Blue — the school's Reading and Math Dog — and enjoyed a special performance by the African Drumming Club in the media center.  “I am so appreciative of the school ambassadors and student government officers who hosted me at Benvenue Elementary,” said Sen. Lisa Stone Barnes, District 11. “I enjoyed interacting with the students as they led the tour of their school and shared their favorite part of school. Overall, I was very impressed with the students, classrooms and the African Drumming Club performance, which was a special treat!” Fifth grader Christopher Caudle, president of the Student Government Association at Benvenue, expressed excitement over the visit. “I think it was pretty exciting that she came to our school,” Caudle said. “Hopefully, we made her think about coming here again.” He continued, “It means that we — Benvenue — stood out enough to be seen by Senator Barnes. Students made slideshows, and it felt pretty good to make something to present to such a big leader in our community.” Caudle, who has political aspirations of his own, said the visit inspired him to “go for bigger and better.” Nash County Public Schools also welcomed Rep. Allen Chesser, District 25, earlier in the week for a full day with students at M. B. Hubbard Elementary School and Nash Central High School. The visits were part of a statewide initiative designed to connect lawmakers with schools across North Carolina, giving them a firsthand look at the teaching and learning happening each day. ###  Media Contact: Heather Louise Finch, Executive Director of Communication/Public Information Officer hlfinch@ncpschools.net
NCPS Kicks Off ‘NC Legislators in Schools Week’ with a Visit from Rep. Allen Chesser  NASH COUNTY, N.C. (April 8, 2025) — Nash County Public Schools kicked off North Carolina Legislators in Schools Week with a special visit from Representative Allen Chesser, District 25, who spent the day engaging with students, teachers, and staff at M.B. Hubbard Elementary School and Nash Central High School.  Rep. Chesser began his visit at Hubbard Elementary, where he was welcomed by Assistant Principal Alicia Turner, Executive Director of Elementary Education Monique Hargrove-Jones, and members of the district’s senior leadership team. During a guided tour of the campus, he visited kindergarten, first-grade, and fifth-grade classrooms, where students were actively engaged in lessons.  In a first-grade classroom, Chesser observed the Science of Reading in action—an evidence-based approach to literacy instruction that is helping young students build foundational reading skills.  Superintendent Dr. Steve Ellis showed the recent safety upgrades funded by a $400,536 School Safety Grant awarded in 2023-2024. Chesser viewed the newly installed classroom lock systems—part of a districtwide initiative to enhance emergency response capabilities in all elementary schools.  At Nash Central High School, Chesser continued building connections with students. He joined four freshmen for a traditional school lunch of macaroni and cheese, green beans, and chicken nuggets, engaging in casual conversation about their school experiences.  He then visited a journalism class, where students were working on a project about the 18 of the constitutional amendments. Chesser sparked a lively discussion, asking students to share their favorite amendments and answering questions about the role of state legislators.  One of the day’s highlights was a 40-minute roundtable discussion hosted by Commander Carther Jorgensen’s Naval Science 2 class. Eleven students introduced themselves and took part in a meaningful conversation with Chesser, discussing state issues and civic engagement.  The visit concluded with a stop at Nash Central’s Honors Dance class—the only program of its kind in the district. Seventeen students shared how arts education has shaped their personal and academic growth.  “Being able to use movement, my voice, and expression in arts education has made a huge impact on me—not only as an individual but also as a student,” said Grace Miller, a 12th-grade honors dance student. “Because of the opportunities I’ve had during school hours, I’m now a stronger communicator and critical thinker. I’m a more well-rounded student thanks to arts education.”  “Allen Chesser’s visit was very informative,” said Tynesha Mercer, a 10th grader. “He opened up about what motivated him to enter public service, and that motivated me to pursue my dreams.” “I was impressed with how he answered everyone’s questions with a sense of humor and from the heart,” added 11th grader Angelique Garcia. “This event was very informative.”  Rep. Chesser reflected on his experience, stating:  "Nash County is home to some fantastic schools, and talking with students and staff today just served as a reminder as to how proud and honored I am to represent our community in the NC House," said Rep. Chesser. "Throughout the day, I shared with students the importance of having a purpose, giving oneself grace through the mistakes, and creating a legacy of leaving something better than how you found it. I look forward to seeing how these students grow, succeed, and become leaders in Nash County."  Superintendent Dr. Ellis added, “We’re honored to have hosted Representative Chesser as we celebrate Legislators in Your School Week. His engagement with students and staff highlights the importance of collaboration between public schools and our elected officials.”  Nash County Public Schools is proud to continue encouraging strong relationships with community leaders and advocating for safe, engaging, and enriching educational experiences for every student. NC Legislators in Schools Week will continue with visits from Senator Lisa Barnes and Representative Dante Pittman later this week.  Please click here to access the photos: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1Ii4b3pSw_HPO3vd7A-hn4uktWKmwg5vs?usp=drive_link  ### Media Contact: Heather Louise Finch, Executive Director of Communication/Public Information Officer hlfinch@ncpschools.net
Public Notice and Media Alert     Board of Education Work Session and Regular Meeting on April 7, 2025  The Nash Board of Education will hold the following scheduled meetings on Monday, April 7, 2025, at 5:00 p.m.  Board of Education Work Session Regular Scheduled Board of Education Meeting  Meetings are open to the public.   Nash County Public Schools Administrative Building located at 930 Eastern Avenue Nashville, N.C. 27856   View a live video stream of the meeting with any web browser by clicking www.youtube.com/c/PRDptment.   Contact: Board of Education Clerk, Carrie Davis, cbdavis@ncpschools.net or (252) 462-2511   The work session will begin at 5:00 p.m.   Following the opening of the work session, the Board will go into closed session. The Board will then return to open session for the regular business meeting. Members of the public will have access to view all public portions of the work session meeting and regular meeting (i.e., every part except closed session): ●	View a live video stream of the meeting with any web browser by clicking here: www.youtube.com/c/PRDptment.  Public Comment The public comment portion of the regular business meeting will be held at the time shown on the agenda. Members of the public will have the opportunity to submit public comments in one of these ways:  1.	join the meeting in-person and comment publicly;  2.	submit a written comment by email during the designated time period to be read aloud by staff.   Each person is limited to one public comment, whether written or spoken, per meeting.  Any Individual or group may contact Carrie Davis at 252-462-2511 or cbdavis@ncpschools.net in the Superintendents’ office to indicate their desire to address the board. The deadline is 12:00 pm, April 7, 2025.   Rules of Order and Decorum All of the Board’s normal rules of order and decorum for public address apply to comments submitted in-person, electronically or in writing. The Chair may rule written comments out of order in the same manner as spoken comments. Special Accommodations Anyone who requires disability accommodations or may have trouble accessing the live video stream on April 7, 2025 is encouraged to contact Carrie Davis at 252-462-2511 or cbdavis@ncpschools.net  prior to the day of the meeting to explore whether alternative arrangements can be made for viewing the meeting.  ###  Media Contact: Heather Louise Finch, Executive Director of Communication/Public Information Officer hlfinch@ncpschools.net
Public Notice and Media Alert -    Board of Education Committee Meetings Monday, March 31, 2025
NCPS celebrates student talent at Celebration of the Arts  ROCKY MOUNT, N.C. (March 26, 2025) – Nash County Public Schools (NCPS) hosted its annual Celebration of the Arts on Tuesday, March 25, at Rocky Mount High School, recognizing the creativity and accomplishments of student artists and performers from across the district. Held in conjunction with Arts in Our Schools Month, the event featured a districtwide student art exhibition and live performances. Each school’s art teacher selected one student piece to represent their school. Students stood beside their work to discuss their “I’m very excited because I like art,” said Elodie Wanamaker, a fourth grader at Red Oak Elementary. “Our art class is really creative, and I have a lot of friends in it who are really creative too.” Northern Nash High School sophomore Vivian Vu also spoke about her experience as a student artist. “Art has been a hobby of mine since I was younger,” Vu said. “In high school, I am taking AP Art, which pushed me to take my creativity to the next level. That class has opened my eyes and helped me connect more deeply with my work. It made me start thinking seriously about what I want to do with art in the future.” The evening began with a performance by the Elite Dancers from Nash Central High School. The group performed to “Love in the Dark” by Adele, a routine choreographed by Maddie Worsley, a former Dancentral dancer and current dance education student at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. The Rocky Mount High School orchestra performed during the exhibition, providing a musical backdrop as guests explored the gallery. Assistant Superintendent of Academic Services and Accountability Melissa Dancy-Smith delivered the welcome to guests and took photos with each featured artist. The artwork will be transferred to the Superintendent’s Gallery at the district’s administrative office in Nashville, where it will be exhibited for one year.   “The event offered a meaningful opportunity for students, families and community members to celebrate the role of arts in education,” said Wendy Hinson, AIG and fine arts coordinator for Nash County Public Schools. “It highlighted the powerful impact of creativity and expression in our schools.” The Celebration of the Arts is an annual tradition in Nash County Public Schools and reinforces the district’s commitment to supporting the arts as an essential part of student development.  ###  Media Contact: Heather Louise Finch, Executive Director of Communication/Public Information Officer hlfinch@ncpschools.net
media release about bands
**Public Notice and Media Alert**   The Nash Board of Education will hold a Special Called Meeting on Tuesday, March 18, 2025 at 12:00 p.m.   The March 18, 2025 Nash Board of Education Special Called Meeting will be held remotely and electronically. Nash County Public Schools is committed to providing opportunities for members of the public to view/listen to the meeting in a way that resembles as closely as possible the normal processes for in-person public meetings.  Meetings are open to the public.   Nash County Public Schools Hybrid Meeting 930 Eastern Avenue, Nashville, NC  27856 View a live video stream of the meeting with any web browser by clicking www.youtube.com/c/PRDptment.   Contact: Board of Education Clerk, Carrie Davis, cbdavis@ncpschools.net or (252) 462-2511   Special Accommodations: Anyone wo requires disability accommodations or may have trouble accessing the live video stream on March 18, 2025 is encouraged to contact Carrie Davis at 252-567-3486 or cbdavis@ncpschool.net prior to the day of the meeting to explore whether alternative arrangements can be made for viewing the meeting.  Agenda: •	Call to Order (Chair, Franklin Lamm) •	Adoption of Agenda (Chair, Franklin Lamm) •	Motion to Waive Provision in Remote Participation •	Business Items o	School Calendars •	Adjournment (Chair, Franklin Lamm)  ###  Media Contact: Heather Louise Finch, Executive Director of Communication/Public Information Officer hlfinch@ncpschools.net
ECPS and NCPS students to compete in Twin-Counties Brick City Engineering Challenge
Media Release - Nash County Public Schools’ Dual Language Immersion Students Tackle Global Issues at Diplomatic Conference
Good afternoon,  Due to the forecast of inclement weather and out of an abundance of caution, Nash County Public Schools will cancel all after-school activities on Wednesday, March 5, 2025. If there are any updates, we will keep you informed. Please download the NCPS app to ensure you receive notifications. You may download the App by visiting the following links, Apple Store Google Play Store.  For real-time information, please click the following link: https://www.ncpschools.net/page/emergency-landing-page Thank you, NCPS