What does it look like when a school division and a university come together to rethink how high school works? In this episode of the RCPS Community Partner Café, host Katie LaPira sits down with Dr. Donica Hadley, Executive Director of the JMU Lab School, to explore how this innovative partnership between Rockingham County Public Schools and James Madison University is creating new learning opportunities for students.

Dr. Hadley shares how the Lab School model emphasizes interdisciplinary, project-based learning, student voice, and real-world problem solving, while still meeting graduation requirements. Katie and Donica explore the way that the classes work at each grade level.

The conversation also highlights the role of community partners, and Dr. Hadley explains how families can learn more about whether the Lab School might be a good fit for their students. This episode offers a thoughtful look at how collaboration and innovation can help prepare students for life beyond high school.

The application for RCPS students who would like to participate in the Lab School simply involves students submitting their names and addresses, and the application window will be open from March 30 to April 30.

In light of the winter weather conditions we're navigating, we wanted to reshare this episode from 2024 with Director of Transportation Chris Sours.

What happens when weather events cause potential school disruptions? In today’s episode of RCPS Community Partner Cafe, Chris Sours talks with host Katie LaPira to share what goes into making weather-related decisions for RCPS. Chris gives listeners a glimpse behind the scenes into what happens when weather events impact Rockingham County.

Listen in to hear what makes RCPS unique and how decisions about delays and closures are made when weather impacts travel. As Chris shares, the safety of RCPS students and employees is the focus of every decision made. Learn about the process RCPS uses when determining whether a delay or closure is needed because of weather-related events.

What does it really look like to support new teachers in their first year? In this episode, host Katie LaPira sits down with supervisor Stephanie Failes and a panel of RCPS mentor teachers to walk us through the New Teacher Mentor Program, including who it serves, why it matters, and how it helps year zero teachers feel confident and connected from day one.

You’ll hear how teacher mentors offer non-evaluative, just-in-time support: classroom set-up tips, tech tools, lesson planning, co-teaching, and practical guidance for milestones like grades and conferences.

RCPS families and community partners will also hear how this program builds relationships that last through on-campus visits, collaboration with mentor teachers/ ITRTs, and community meet-ups (yes, even ice cream socials!).

If you’re curious about how RCPS invests in great teaching, and why so many educators choose to build their careers here, this conversation shows the care behind the classroom. Learn more at RCPS.net.