Stories of Learning, Leadership, and Connection Across Rockingham County

Sharing stories that highlight how our students, staff, and schools are leading with purpose across Rockingham County. From classrooms to communities, every day brings moments of learning, leadership, and connection.  

Understanding Where We Are
Our Virginia School Performance Data provides valuable insight into student achievement across our division. These reports help us see both our strengths and our growth opportunities. But data is only meaningful when it informs action. That's why we're bringing back benchmark testing to give our teachers timely, actionable information about where students are in their learning journey. When teachers have clear data, they can focus instruction on the specific areas where students need support, rather than waiting until year-end assessments to discover gaps.

Technology as a Tool, Not a Solution
Our division leaders are currently reading The Digital Delusion by Dr. Jared Cooney Horvath, and it's sparking important conversations about the role of technology in education. One passage has particularly resonated with me: "The more we rely on external devices to store and manage information, the less our brains feel the need to actually learn and understand that information. We are trading deep, durable knowledge for quick, ephemeral access." This reinforces what we've been practicing: technology should support learning, not drive it.

Our middle school Chromebook policy reflects this understanding. By keeping devices at school for 6th and 7th graders, we're ensuring that technology serves as a classroom tool while preserving time at home for conversation, creativity, and connection.

Moving Forward Together
High expectations, meaningful data, and purposeful use of technology, these aren't separate initiatives. They're interconnected supports that help our teachers do what they do best: teach. And they help our students do what we need them to do: learn and grow.

“Lollipop Moments” are small but powerful interactions that make a lasting difference in someone's life. These moments remind us that leadership isn't defined by titles or positions, but by everyday actions that make a difference.

The recent winter storm tested our community in ways we haven't seen in years. Snow, ice, and frigid temperatures created hazardous conditions across our division. But amid that challenge, something remarkable happened: our community came together.

I witnessed transportation staff working around the clock to clear bus routes. Maintenance crews and custodians battled the elements to make our buildings safe and accessible. School administrators grabbed shovels and salt spreaders alongside their teams. And perhaps most inspiring, community members, students, and teachers showed up unasked, ready to help however they could.

These weren't grand gestures captured for recognition. They were quiet acts of service: a neighbor clearing a walkway, a student helping salt an entrance, a teacher staying late to ensure pathways were safe for the next day.

One of the most exciting aspects of education is watching students discover not just what they want to learn, but who they want to become. I've seen that transformation happen through our Career and Technical Education programs.

With over 4,000 students enrolled and more than 50 dedicated teachers bringing real-world experience into the classroom, we're creating pathways that lead directly to meaningful careers. From Agricultural Education to Health and Medical Sciences to Business and Information Technology, students are gaining hands-on skills that prepare them for their future.

Over 96% of CTE completers earn industry credentials that open doors to high-wage, high-demand careers. Our students regularly compete at state and national levels, with several serving as state and regional officers in their career organizations. 

Through work-based learning opportunities like internships, school-based enterprises, and supervised agricultural experiences, students are applying classroom knowledge in real-world settings. When a student completes an internship with a local business or launches an entrepreneurial project, they're building the skills, confidence, and connections that will carry them forward.

Our goal is to ensure every student is either employed, enlisted, or enrolled in further education upon graduation. Career and Technical Education is helping Rockingham County students rise to meet that goal, and exceed it.

Over the past few months, I've had the unique opportunity to substitute for staff members who have earned perfect attendance, and each experience has deepened my respect for the professionals who serve our students every day.

I've driven a bus route for Debbie Nazario-Bortz, navigating tight turns and managing the organized chaos of students loading and unloading. I've worked in food service for Robin Dean, ensuring meals are prepared, served, and cleaned up with efficiency and care. I've pushed a custodial cart for Amy Cubbage, seeing firsthand the detail and dedication it takes to keep our buildings clean and welcoming. And I've spent time in Sydney Coffman’s kindergarten classroom, where patience, energy, and creativity are required in equal measure.

Each role gave me a deeper appreciation for the professionals who do this work every single day. Our bus drivers don't just transport students, they're often the first friendly face a child sees in the morning and the last before they head home. Our food service workers don't just serve lunch, they nourish our students and often know them by name. Our custodians don't just clean, they create safe, inviting spaces where learning can happen. And our teachers don't just teach, they inspire, comfort, challenge, and believe in every child who walks through their door.

And to those with perfect attendance, your commitment doesn't go unnoticed. Keep up the incredible work.

In November, students and staff from Turner Ashby High School came together to honor our local veterans with a program that reflected both gratitude and reverence. The Turner Ashby FFA Chapter prepared and served a breakfast for our veterans before the formal ceremony began. Students shared words of thanks, a parade celebrated those who have served, and then had a moment of quiet recognition for the courage and sacrifice that protect our freedoms.

Watching our students engage with veterans, ask questions, and listen to their stories reminded me of why these moments matter. Our veterans don't just represent history, they embody the values we hope to instill in every student: service, sacrifice, commitment, and resilience.

Fathers matter. Whether biological dads, stepdads, grandfathers, uncles, mentors, or other father-figures, the men who show up, invest time, and provide guidance play a crucial role in shaping young lives.

This spring, we're partnering with the Harrisonburg Rockingham Fatherhood Initiative to allow our students to honor the father-figures who make a difference in their lives through the Good Father Project Student Essay Competition.

Students across Rockingham County are invited to write a simple, heartfelt response to the prompt: "My father or father-figure is a good father because..." These handwritten essays, just one page, maximum 250 words, give students a chance to reflect on and celebrate the positive male role models in their lives.

Students can submit their essays to their teachers by Friday, April 3, 2026. For more information, visit goodfatherproject.org.

As we continue through this school year, I'm grateful for the partnership between our schools, our families, and our community. Together, we're creating opportunities for every student to discover their potential and pursue their passions.

I encourage all parents and guardians to join us for Parent-Teacher Conferences on February 16-17. These conversations are valuable opportunities to connect with your child's teachers, celebrate progress, and discuss how we can best support your student's growth. Your involvement makes all the difference.

With gratitude,

Larry Shifflett, Ed.D.
Division Superintendent
Rockingham County Public Schools