Belmont teacher Lisa Garris was recognized as the RRGSD Exceptional Children’s Educator of Excellence for the 2023-2024 school year at Tuesday night’s RRGSD Board of Trustees meeting. An excerpt from a letter submitted to the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction by Tess Yeatts and Julie Thompson reads, “Mrs. Garris has served as an educator of exceptional students in our district for over 16 years. She is a fierce advocate who works tirelessly to ensure academic and functional success for those she serves.” Mrs. Garris will be celebrated during the Annual Conference on Exceptional Children at the Educators of Excellence reception honoring outstanding North Carolina special educators on Monday, October 23, 2023 in Greensboro, NC.
Trustees also recognized Roanoke Rapids High School Student Council for their hard work and dedication to the success of Roanoke Rapids High School. Student Council is led by advisors Gary Edwards, Kelly Sparks, and Edward Gardner, who work collaboratively with a talented group of student leaders. The Executive Board for the 2023-2024 school year consists of President Emily Campbell Tyler, Vice President Lydia Carroll, Treasurer Morgan Beam, Secretary Carmen Wise, Historian Alexis Cofield, and Parliamentarian Iyanna Crawford. Students head up a variety of committees that provide support to the school such as the service, beautification, and community outreach committees. Among many other tasks, they organize school pep rallies and dances, increase student involvement and school pride, and plan multiple teacher appreciation activities throughout the school year.
In other Board news, Trustees presented and approved goals for the 23-24 school year that center around a new committee structure, student discipline, and school safety. Superintendent Julie Thompson and staff shared updates on overall functions of the school district and the Board approved school fundraisers.