RCPS Community Partner Cafe

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 get more involved.   Leo talks with seniors James a...

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 identifying interests and career opportunities t...

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 insights about these specific time periods for stud...

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 simple actions caretakers can take to help our...

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 background knowledge, inspiring creativity, and c...

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 plan, which focuses on excellence, integrity, and...

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 helpful tips for maintaining strong communica...

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 special education support services.   Melissa shar...

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 public education, how it has evolved, and how it looks...

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 they grow and develop socially and emotionally.   Li...

Listen to the RCPS Community Partner Café with your host Katie LaPira of Rockingham County Public Schools in Virginia.   As Katie shares 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 stay current and to hear new episodes.