page background

PSRC Monthly Newsletter

Your source for monthly PSRC news

PSRC MonthlyNewsletterYour source for monthly PSRC news

January is School Board Appreciation Month, National Mentoring Month, & National Thank You Month.

Happy New Year!

The Public Schools of Robeson County would like to wish you and your family a happy new year! We look forward to continuing to strive for excellence across our 39 schools this year! Together, we can and we will accomplish great things! #OneTeamOneGoal #StrivingForExellence

2022 Year-In-Review

zoom_out_map

East Robeson Primary School Named National Blue Ribbon School

East Robeson Primary School is one of five schools in the state to be recognized as a National Blue Ribbon School for its excellence in performance.
zoom_out_map

Groundbreaking Held in October for Career & Tech Center

Dirt was turned by N.C. Rep. Charles Graham, Robeson County officials, PSRC Board of Education members, and others on Oct. 6 during the Groundbreaking Ceremony for the Robeson County Career and Technology Education Center and Planetarium.

zoom_out_map

PSRC Awarded $180,000 to Support Robotics

PSRC was awarded $180,000 in 2022 Student STEM Enrichment Program grant funding by Burroughs Wellcome Fund to support STEM learning in the classroom. Funding will support placing robotics in every second-grade classroom in the school district.
zoom_out_map

Project to Place New Playground Equipment at PSRC Elementary Schools Begins

New playground equipment was installed across multiple elementary schools within the Public Schools of Robeson County as part of the ESSER-funded playground project. Some elementary schools will see additional equipment soon.
zoom_out_map

New Curricula Implemented in PSRC

PSRC implemented EL Education K-8 Language Arts Curriculum and Eureka Math²™ (Eureka Math Squared for K-7 grades). The district's goal is to support student learning and to rise above the low-performing schools list.
zoom_out_map

Lumberton High School Names Soccer Facility after Kenny Simmons

The soccer facility at LHS now bears the name "Kenneth W. Simmons Soccer Facility" after an April 5 ceremony earlier this year. The facility was named in honor of longtime coach Kenny Simmons who has served as a soccer coach for more than 25 years at the school.
zoom_out_map

Test Results Showed that PSRC Made Gains This Past Academic Year

The Public Schools of Robeson County made significant gains this past academic year when compared to other low-performing districts across the state, as determined by 2021-22 test results. Approximately 80.6% of our schools either met or exceeded growth compared to the 70% reflected in school growth across the state. Low-performing districts are defined as districts with more than 50% of schools identified as low-performing schools. There have been 29 low-performing districts identified.

zoom_out_map

Fairmont High School Names Gym after Mike Baker

FHS named its gym the Michael D. Baker Gymnasium on Nov. 19. Baker has coached volleyball and basketball teams at the school and serves as the school's athletic director. He also teaches science at FHS.
zoom_out_map

Additional Security Measures Put in Place, More Are Planned for District

PSRC funded eight additional school resource officer positions this year. The district also put in place security surveillance buzzer systems at the entrance of schools. The district also was awarded $1,048,000 in school safety grant funding from the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction’s Center for Safe Schools. The funding will be used to address bus safety by purchasing radios for every bus (yellow and activity buses) to improve communications and to place uniform keyed entry systems at all PSRC facilities.
zoom_out_map

PSRC named National Beta District for the 2021-2022 Academic Year

PSRC was named a National Beta District for the 2021-2022 school year. The award is given to districts that offer National Beta in all schools in their district, and who induct qualifying students in all eligible grades (four through 12). The Public Schools of Robeson County is one of 36 districts to receive the award nationwide.
zoom_out_map

Lumberton FFA Receives 2 National Awards

The Lumberton FFA Chapter was recognized with two national FFA awards. The chapter placed first in the 2022 National FFA Hall of States and Building Communities Division during the 95th National FFA Convention and Expo in Indianapolis. We are so proud of these students!
zoom_out_map

PSRC Explores Partnership with NCSSM

PSRC is exploring a partnership with North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics. The NCSSM was recently ranked as the top public high school in the country, according to Niche.com. More information will be released at a later date concerning the details of the partnership. “NCSSM provides live, synchronous distance education courses to students across North Carolina through partnerships with local public high schools. Students can take honors- and AP-level courses online, tuition-free,” according to NCSSM’s website.

Meet PSRC Media Supervisor Cindi Humphrey

Humphrey Takes on New Role Jan. 1


Cindi Humphrey officially steps into the PSRC Media Supervisor role on Jan. 1. The role was left vacant by the retirement of Dr. Etta Baldwin, who served as the district’s Media Supervisor for 41 years.


Humphrey plans to provide guidance and support for all the school library Media Coordinators so they can engage in more collaborative opportunities with teachers to enhance the education of our students.


“I would especially like to provide extensive support for our brand new school library Media coordinators so they will not feel so overwhelmed,” she said.


Humphrey is a graduate of Tar Heel High School in Bladen County. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Fayetteville State University, a Master of Library Science from East Carolina University and an Administration Add-on from the University of North Carolina at Pembroke.


During her time with PSRC, Humphrey has worked at Littlefield Middle School for 26 years. She has served 22 Years as a Media Coordinator and 4 years as a CTE teacher. During her time at the school, she also has served as a cheerleading coach, Junior Beta Club sponsor, Battle of the Books coach, and Yearbook adviser.


In her spare time, she enjoys serving in the Audiovisual and Nursing Ministry at her church and working with her Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority. She also likes to ride ATVs and go on camping trips with her family.


Cindi and her husband Daniel have been married for 25 years and share two daughters, Zaria and Cassi, and a granddaughter Kaelani.

Join the Robeson County Parental Advisory Committee!

The Robeson County Parental Advisory Committee will represent the Title I Parent, Guardian, Caregiver, and Caring Adult Community in Robeson County.


Robeson County P.A.C. members meet no more than six times each year to make decisions relative to family engagement in the Public Schools of Robeson County.


The P.A.C. will be responsible for reviewing and/or revising the Title I Parent and Family Engagement Policy and Plan; making all parents aware of the efforts of this committee; soliciting input from all parents concerning these efforts; and attending meetings in support of Parent and Family Engagement.


The mission of the team is to create opportunities to build a capacity for family engagement by working collaboratively to identify and remove barriers, provide a space for Parents/Guardians to be co-creators in best practices when engaging families, and to develop a toolbox of resources and supports to help families build and sustain the curriculum of the home.


It is our goal that these efforts will strengthen the family-school partnership, and impact students' academic success.


To join the Parental Advisory Committee, click here.

Coming Soon to PSRC's Website : Parents' Corner

PSRC's website will soon include a tab where parents can find information related to various topics such as education, family engagement and resources to help their students thrive academically.


Please complete the following survey to let us know what you would like to see in the Parents' Corner tab!


Click here to complete the survey.

Happy New Year from Health Services!

Check Out These Tips to Stay Healthy in the New Year


Providers are calling this a “tripledemic," because of the surge in Flu, COVID and RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus - a virus that infects the lungs and breathing passages).


However, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk of catching or spreading any infections.


  • The # 1 thing you can do is get vaccinated by receiving the COVID vaccine or the Flu shot.


  • Wash your hands often with soap.


  • Attempt to maintain social distancing.


  • Wear a well-fitting mask if necessary.


  • Limit visitations of our vulnerable populations like - older adults, pregnant women, or people with weakened immune systems.


  • Think about having smaller gatherings.



Vaccination Update


Students in 11th grade who will be promoted to 12th grade in the January (Spring) semester have 30 calendar days from the date they officially become 12th graders to get the second meningococcal vaccine.


The Robeson County Health Department is offering vaccines.


The Health Department has openings every 15 minutes for vaccines. Also beginning January 3, the department will have workers rotating through lunch times to provide vaccines.


The department can be reached by phone at (910) 671-3200 and is located at 460 Country Club Road in Lumberton.

Counselor's Corner: Combatting SAD

SAD is known as a form of depression related to the change in seasons commonly occurring during winter that impacts over 500,000 people in the U.S.


The sun is lowest in the sky during winter which results in shorter days. The exact cause of SAD is not known but less exposure to sunlight can produce an imbalance of chemicals produced in our brains that in turn affect our mood.


The imbalance of brain chemicals called neurotransmitters, which affect your mood can be impacted with some helpful strategies:


  • Take breaks outside during times of light beginning at 7:30 a.m. and until 5:00 p.m.

  • Bring the outside indoors such as small houseplants that can be cared for indoors. Studies have indicated that gardening can reduce feelings of depression.

  • Continue or begin an exercise routine a few days weekly that will release healthy hormones called endorphins. These hormones will improve your mood and supply you with more energy.

  • Optimize the positive of having less light to begin a regular and balanced sleeping routine. The recommended seven to eight hours will also improve your mood, energy and allow you to be refreshed the following day.

  • Upgrade some of your self-care essentials to include a new aromatherapy candle, update your playlist or purchase a colorful journal.

If you are unable to break through the grey moods or feelings of deep sadness visit a doctor to determine if you have SAD or something else.

During the winter it is essential to remember your comfort kit of items to incorporate to stay positive.

These comfort kit items do not have to be expensive. Comfort items can consist of a puzzle, a favorite movie, or time spent sharing jokes with family members or friends.

The Public Schools of Robeson County has a great Virtual Calming Room website with various sounds, music, videos, and activities to help manage feelings during the winter months.

Also, check with a School Support Staff member at your child’s school if you notice a difference during this winter for a list of resources and providers in your area.


For additional information, visit the National Institute for Mental Health's website by clicking here.

Upcoming Events

Dec. 19, 2022-Jan. 2, 2023 - Student Holidays


Jan. 2 - National Science Fiction Day


Jan. 4 - National Trivia Day


Jan. 6 - National Technology Day


Jan. 9 - National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day


Jan. 16 - Martin Luther King Jr. Day - Holiday


Jan. 19 - National Popcorn Day


Jan. 29 - National Puzzle Day


Jan. 31 - National Hot Chocolate Day


Jan. 19, 2023 - 'Ask A Healthcare Professional' District Family Night - Southeastern Agricultural Center - Register or Learn More Here.

Testing Schedule


January:


Traditional High School EOCs - Jan. 19 - Jan. 25, 2023


WIDA Access Testing (Multilingual Learners) - Jan. 23 - Mar. 10, 2023


Grades 3-8 Check-Ins # 2 - Jan. 30 - Feb. 3

Early Dismissal Schedule for Testing (High Schools Only)

St. Pauls, Fairmont, Lumberton, Purnell Swett, and Red Springs high schools

  • From January 19 - 24, high schools will dismiss at 1:30 p.m.

School Calendars

PSRC 2022-2023 Calendar

End of Nine Weeks Reporting Periods

January 25, 2023

April 6, 2023

June 9, 2023


Report cards will go home five working days after the end of each nine weeks.


Student Holidays

December 19, 2022-January 2, 2023

January 16, 2023

April 10 -14, 2023

PSRC Early College 2022-2023 Calendar

End of Nine Weeks Reporting Periods for PSRC Early College

December 16, 2022

March 8, 2023

May 24, 2023


Report cards will go home five working days after the end of each nine weeks.


Student Holidays for PSRC Early College

December 19-January 2, 2023

January 16, 2023

April 7-14, 2023

Quote of the Month

"Leadership is a responsibility. It's not about being in charge. It's about taking care of those in your charge." - Simon Sinek

NCDPI News

Find the latest N.C. Department of Public Instruction News by clicking here.

PSRC Board of Education

John Simmons

Board Chairman
Email: john.simmons@robeson.k12.nc.us
District 1


Melissa Ocean
Email: melissa.ocean@robeson.k12.nc.us
District 2


Dr. Linda Emanuel
Email: linda.emanuel@robeson.k12.nc.us
District 3


Terry Locklear
Email: terry.locklear2@robeson.k12.nc.us
District 4


Craig Lowry
Email: craig.lowry2@robeson.k12.nc.us
District 5


Mike Smith

Email: mike.smith@robeson.k12.nc.us
District 6


Randy Lawson

Email: randy.lawson@robeson.k12.nc.us
District 7


Tre' Britt

Email: tre.britt@robeson.k12.nc.us
District 8


William Gentry

Email: william.gentry@robeson.k12.nc.us
At-Large


Vonta Leach
Email: vonta.leach@robeson.k12.nc.us
At-Large


Henry Brewer
Email: henry.brewer@robeson.k12.nc.us
At-Large


Do you know your board member? For a list of schools represented by each board member, click here.

zoom_out_map

Public Schools of Robeson County

"One Team, One Goal"


We serve more than 21,000 students across 39 schools, including PSRC Early College at RCC and the Robeson County Career Center.


To keep up with PSRC district happenings, follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and our district website at robeson.k12.nc.us.

Email: webmaster@robeson.k12.nc.us
Website: robeson.k12.nc.us
Location: 100 Hargrave Street, Lumberton, NC, USA
Phone: 910-671-6000
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PublicSchoolsOfRobesonCounty
Twitter: @PSRCEDU