Tar River Academy to Celebrate December Class of 2025 Graduates ROCKY MOUNT, N.C. —Tar River Academy will honor the January Class of 2025 in a special ticketed graduation ceremony on Tuesday, Feb. 11, 2025, at 6 p.m. The event will be held at Rocky Mount Middle School. Doors will close promptly at 5:45 p.m., and all attendees must present a ticket for entry. This year, 25 students will celebrate their academic achievements as they officially graduate and embark on the next chapter of their journeys. The City of Wilson Mayor Carlton Stevens will deliver the keynote address, sharing insights on leadership and perseverance to inspire the graduates and their families. For those unable to attend in person, the ceremony will be streamed live online at: bit.ly/ncpsgrad. Tar River Academy is proud to recognize the dedication, resilience and accomplishments of its graduates and looks forward to celebrating this significant milestone with the students, their families and the broader community. ###  Media Contact: Heather Louise Finch, Public Information Officer hlfinch@ncpschools.net
Brightspeed Awards $10,000 Grant to Support Rocky Mount High School’s Esports Program  ROCKY MOUNT, N.C. – Nash County Public Schools (NCPS) is thrilled to announce that Brightspeed, the nation’s third-largest fiber broadband builder empowering families and businesses with reliable, ultra-fast connectivity, has awarded a $10,000 grant to support the Gryphon Elite Esports team at Rocky Mount High School. This generous contribution will enable the team to upgrade its equipment, expand student participation, and enhance the overall program, furthering the district’s mission to provide innovative educational opportunities for students.  “When Brightspeed launched, we made a commitment to bring state-of-the-art internet connectivity to homes and businesses across our footprint and invest in the communities we serve by giving to programs and services that make a positive difference,” said Sabrina Anderson, Brightspeed marketing manager. “Not only are we making good on that promise with our Brightspeed Fiber Internet already available to more than 26,000 Rocky Mount locations and counting, but we are making a further investment in Nash County youth, helping give them the tools they need to thrive in today’s digital world.”  “This grant allows us to provide students with cutting-edge technology, enhancing their esports experience and empowering them to develop valuable life skills,” said Kenneth J. Jones, Jr., M.S., Applied Mathematics, and esports coach at Rocky Mount High School. “Esports fosters critical thinking, teamwork, and strategic planning—skills that prepare students for success both in and out of the classroom.”  Founded in 2022 as a student-led initiative, the Gryphon Elite Esports team has grown through community support, school fundraising, and participation in the Varsity Esports League (VESL). However, outdated gaming systems have limited the team’s potential. Brightspeed’s grant will address this challenge by funding critical equipment upgrades and supporting the program’s expansion.  The Gryphon Elite Esports team currently engages approximately 15 students who meet twice weekly to compete and practice. With the new resources provided by Brightspeed, the team aims to increase its membership and create a more immersive and effective gaming environment.  “Our goal is to give students the tools and opportunities to grow academically, socially, and professionally,” Jones added. “This grant is an investment in their future.”  For more information about this partnership, please contact Sabrina Carpenter at sabrina.anderson@brightspeed.com.     ###    About Brightspeed   Headquartered in Charlotte, N.C. and with assets and associated operations in 20 states, Brightspeed provides broadband and telecommunications services through a network platform capable of serving more than 6.5 million homes and businesses. Our 4,000 employees are committed to building a future where more communities benefit from a more connected life, deploying a state-of-the-art fiber network and a customer experience that makes being connected as simple as it should be. For more information, please visit www.brightspeed.com.  Media Contacts:     Gene Rodriguez Miller, Director, Public Relations  Gene.Miller@brightspeed.com     Heather Louise Finch, Executive Director of Communication/Public Information Officer  hlfinch@ncpschools.net
For Immediate Release - Nash County Public Schools Announces Spelling Bee Winner
PowerSchool Data Breach Update
NCPS to Host Hands-On Career & Technical Education Showcase at Nash Community College ROCKY MOUNT, N.C. — Nash County Public Schools (NCPS) invites all students and their families to the Career and Technical Education (CTE) Showcase: Map Your Journey: Discovering Educational Pathways to Careers. The showcase, hosted in partnership with Nash Community College and area business partners, offers an evening of hands-on career exploration. The event will take place Thursday, Feb. 14, from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at Nash Community College's Brown Auditorium. “We are excited to invite all NCPS stakeholders to our showcase,” Superintendent Dr. Steve Ellis said. “This event will highlight the many pathways we offer to students in our schools. Please come and experience this exciting event.” Unlike traditional events, this showcase emphasizes interactive, practical experiences that allow attendees to learn by doing. Participants will have the opportunity to:  •	Engage in hands-on activities to explore career tools and skills. •	Take part in family-friendly demonstrations showcasing real-world applications. •	Connect with local professionals to learn about career pathways and educational programs. “This event provides students with a valuable opportunity to connect with professionals who can guide and inspire them in potential career paths,” said Chad Thompson, executive director of CTE and Work Based Learning at NCPS. “It also allows them to explore various career fields, helping the student determine whether they like or dislike a particular career. Each time students participate in an event like this, they are more likely to gain meaningful insights and confidence in their career choices.” By participating in this event, students will be better equipped to make informed decisions about their career aspirations. Students will gain a clearer understanding of opportunities available to them. The showcase provides knowledge and insight needed to confidently pursue their goals and shape their future. The event is free and open to the public. Food trucks will be on-site with meals available for purchase. You can learn more about our Career and Technical Education (CTE) by visiting https://www.ncpschools.net/o/nashcte ### Media Contact: Heather Louise Finch, Executive Director of Communication/Public Information Officer hlfinch@ncpschools.net
Good afternoon: We are aware that a fraudulent message regarding ICE was sent to some of our families. Please be advised that this message did not originate from Nash County Public Schools (NCPS). It was designed to appear as if it came from NCPS, but it is spam. We take this matter seriously and are actively investigating the situation. If you receive any suspicious messages claiming to be from NCPS, please do not engage with them and report them to us immediately at pr-dept@ncpschools.net. Thank you for your attention to this matter. We appreciate your cooperation in ensuring clear and accurate communication. Thank you,  NCPS
Good afternoon, NCPS families,    This afternoon, we shared an announcement regarding concerns about recent changes in federal immigration enforcement. We encourage you to visit the district’s website or social media to read this important letter. We understand that these changes may bring uncertainty or concern for some of our families, staff, and community members. Please know that our priority remains the well-being, safety, and education of every student we serve. We will continue to follow school safety protocols, district policies, and all state and federal laws that protect the rights, safety, and dignity of every scholar in our schools. Thank you for being a valued part of our community.
Nash Central’s Dancentral Dance Team to Compete at Nationals for the First Time  ROCKY MOUNT, N.C. – The Nash Central High School (NCHS) dance team, Dancentral, is set to make history as it competes for the first time at the Universal Dance Association National Dance Team Championship at Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida. The team will take the floor on Saturday, Feb. 1, 2025.  This marks a key moment for the audition-only team, which performs at all home football and basketball games. In addition to supporting Nash Central athletics, the team showcases its talent at local events, including the Pumpkin Festival, the Bailey Christmas Parade, the Rocky Mount Christmas Parade, and the fall/spring dance concert at the Imperial Centre.  Competing on a national stage is an example of the team’s dedication and work ethic. The dance team follows a rigorous practice schedule, training every Tuesday and Thursday from 3 to 4:30 p.m., with additional Monday sessions during basketball season. Team members must meet and exceed athletic eligibility requirements, maintaining strong academic performance while excelling in dance.  “I could not be prouder of this group of dancers. They have put in the hard work this season and are ready to represent Nash Central on this big national stage,” said Dance Teacher Kelly Scott.  As the team prepares to compete among the nation’s best, the Nash County community is encouraged to support the dance team and celebrate this proud moment.  To learn more about Dancentral and the dance team, please visit their landing page at https://nashcentralhs.ncpschools.net/o/nchs/page/dancentral   ###  Media Contact: Heather Louise Finch, Public Information Officer hlfinch@ncpschools.net
ncps media alert for the upcoming boe meeting on 01/30
Southern Nash Middle School Excels at Statewide Future Cities Competition, Wins Two Prestigious Awards BAILEY, N.C. – Southern Nash Middle School’s (SNMS) STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) team showcased groundbreaking innovation and teamwork at the Statewide Future Cities Competition in Raleigh, earning the Jacob’s Core Values Award from Jacobs Engineering and the Best Use of Construction Materials Award from Carolinas AGC. Guided by this year’s theme, “Above the Current,” students tackled the pressing issue of rising sea levels, envisioning a futuristic floating island off North Carolina’s coast. Their project addressed challenges posed by climate change, providing a visionary solution that impressed judges and competitors alike. "This was an incredible learning experience for our students," said Sharon Stroh-Cock, instructional technology facilitator and media coordinator at SNMS. "Every aspect of the island had to be thoroughly researched and planned by the students, with guidance from myself and our mentor engineer, Wade Harper, from the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT)." The students also received support from several professionals, including Dan Stroh, a retired city planner from Bellevue, W.A.; Barry Smart, a retired project manager from Freedom Enterprise; and Gareth Cock a British Electrician currently with Optimum, who provided expertise in electrical grids, communications and building. The SNMS students began their journey in August, dedicating time during STEM classes, staying after school on Mondays, and putting in extra hours on weekends. Their floating city was designed to house more than 5,000 people and featured four underwater levels, each serving a unique purpose. Level 1 served as the primary residential and commercial area, complete with housing, shopping centers, schools, two sports stadiums, and a dog park. Level 2 focused on aquaponics, producing enough food to sustain the population regardless of weather conditions. Level 3 housed the city’s utilities, including water and waste treatment, communications, and electricity generated by ocean currents. Level 4 functioned as the industrial hub, where parts for repairs were manufactured. This level also processed microplastics collected from the mesh surrounding the island, contributing to ocean cleanup. Three students—Piper Davis, Leanna Penney, and Griffin Stroh-Cock—represented the team during a closed-session presentation to judges, delivering a detailed explanation of their city’s design and innovations. Other team members participated by engaging with roaming judges, showcasing their model and sharing the vision behind their project. “Future Cities was a great experience,” said Piper Davis, an eighth-grader at SNMS. "I had no idea how much planning and minutiae of details went into planning a city. We had to think of how to handle everything, from electricity to transportation to jobs to natural disasters.” Future Cities is a nationwide project-based learning program for middle school students that encourages them to apply science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) concepts to solve real-world problems. Each year, the competition centers on a specific theme, challenging students to create cities that could exist 100 years in the future. The North Carolina regional competition, held at N.C. State University, attracted 26 schools and 42 teams, drawing more than 1,000 attendees. Since its inception in 2002, the program has grown significantly, bolstered by grants from the North Carolina Legislature that increase accessibility for Title I schools and provide resources for participating teams. When asked if the students would like to participate in the competition again next year, the overwhelming response from students was, "Yes!" For more information about the Future City Competition, please visit the following website, https://futurecity.org/future-city-regions/north-carolina/.   ###  Media Contact: Heather Louise Finch, Executive Director of Communication/Public Information Officer hlfinch@ncpschools.net
  Wednesday, January 22, 2025  Public Notice and Media Alert  Nash Board of Education committee meetings are scheduled for Monday, Jan. 27, 2025.  The Nash Board of Education will hold the following scheduled meetings on Monday, January 27, 2025 beginning at 5:00 p.m.  •	Administrative Services & Operations Committee  •	Policy Committee •	Academic Services & Accountability Committee •	Student Support Services & Operations  Meetings are open to the public.   Nash County Public Schools Administrative Building is located at 930 Eastern Avenue Nashville, N.C. 27856   Contact: Board of Education Clerk, Carrie Davis, 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 January 6, 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, Public Information Officer hlfinch@ncpschools.net
Good afternoon, NCPS Families:      We want to hear from you! Please review the proposed calendars for the 2025-2026 and 2026-2027 school years below.          Any feedback you have on the proposed draft calendars should be sent to your school's parent advisory council members. Please contact your school if you do not know your school's parent advisory council members. 
Dear NCPS Families:   At about 5:41 p.m. on January 8, 2025, Nash County Public Schools (NCPS) received the attached letter from the NC Department of Public Instruction (NCDPI) about a recent, nationwide, cybersecurity incident involving PowerSchool data. PowerSchool was the statewide Student Information System (SIS) used in our district prior to the 2024-25 school year.  On Friday, January 9, 2025, at 8:22 p.m., NCPS received an additional letter from NCDPI confirming that our district's data was accessed by an unauthorized party, and is part of the nationwide PowerSchool data breach.  PowerSchool has shared that all data has been contained and destroyed. PowerSchool and NCDPI have stated that “there is nothing that NCDPI or any of our schools could have done to avoid this cybersecurity incident.”   PowerSchool will conduct all necessary notifications once the analysis is complete to ensure compliance with local, state, and federal requirements and laws. In the coming days, PowerSchool will notify affected families and staff. NCPS takes the security and confidentiality of our student and staff data very seriously.   We will provide additional updates as information becomes available. For further information and Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs), please visit PowerSchool's public website via the following link, https://www.powerschool.com/security/sis-incident/   Click on the following link to see the letter from NCDPI https://5il.co/358vy  Click on the following link to see the letter from NCDPI confirming the PowerSchool data breach https://5il.co/358w3  Thank you,  NCPS
FOR FAMILIES   Subject: Strategic Plan Update: Staff Survey Participation Good afternoon, NCPS Families: The district is currently in the process of updating our strategic plan. As part of this effort, we are inviting all NCPS families to participate in a survey. The feedback collected will play a critical role in shaping district-level strategic planning, as well as supporting district and school improvement initiatives. Students have already completed their surveys, and we will also be gathering input from staff as part of this process. You can access the survey by clicking the link below: NCPS PARENTS AND GUARDIANS (Anonymous) Go to https://surveys.panoramaed.com/nashcountync/winter2025-family/surveys Select your school from the dropdown menu.  No access code is needed. Your input is invaluable, and we appreciate your participation in helping to guide the future of NCPS. Contact Information  For further questions, contact: Jeannie Kerr Victor Ward Dr. Michelle Royster