Inspiring, Innovative and Engaging – this describes the Community Schools concept that is being implemented across our community.

By now you have most likely participated in or heard about our 6 Community School areas and the events they have sponsored; such as back to school rallies, tail gates, family engagement events, movie nights to name a few examples. There have also been high school students dressed out in their school colors, welcoming elementary students to school.

Within RSS we have 6 community areas: North, South, East, West, Salisbury, and Southeast. We are personalizing the learning experience for children and families through our Community Schools by following your child from Kindergarten through high school. We may all fall under the larger umbrella of Rowan-Salisbury, but we have smaller Community Schools focusing on providing a family-centered environment for giving children the best education possible.

Staying connected with the Rowan County community is vital to growth of Rowan-Salisbury Schools. Our superintendent continually provides opportunities to connect our schools with our community in a variety of innovative and inspiring ways, such as:

• Developing Community Schools Exhibitions and Events among the 6 area school communities in our district
• Serving on a number of community boards such as Rowan County Health Board and Rotary
• Presenting at local community organizations

A Brief History – Full Circle

RPE

Years ago, a group of dedicated business professionals and community leaders formed the Rowan-Salisbury Education Foundation to provide support and funding for programs that went above and beyond the normal curriculum in the Rowan Salisbury Schools. The name was later changed to Rowan Partners for Education (RPE) to better represent the mission of the organization.

IMPACT

A few years ago, another group of dedicated business and community leaders came together and formed the Rowan-Salisbury Schools IMPACT Fund. This group of hard- working individuals achieved many accomplishments that benefited the students and staff of our district to which we are very grateful.

RPE

Moving forward, the name is again Rowan-Partners for Education and dedicated to:

• Provide funding for innovative teaching methods
• Ignite stronger and more positive results
• Recognize the achievements of our teachers & students
• Encourage students to reach higher academic success
• Provide support to push through innovative projects

RPE continues to build on what the original founders saw as such an incredible resource in our community. While RPE will work closely with RSS to help achieve common goals, the mission is to add to and not replace any existing programs.

Jon and Susan Steele co-chair RPE.