This podcast is for parents, community partners and anyone interested in learning more about education, child development, and other topics related to Rockingham County Public Schools, Virginia.
RCPS has updated its grading policy to give students and families a clearer picture of what students know, what they’re still learning, and where they may need additional support.
In this episode, parent Charlie Parrish joins Mountain View Elementary instructional coach Michele Hillbert and principal Drew Miller to ask some of the questions families may have about the changes. They discuss how different types of assignments contribute to grades, what families should look for in PowerSchool, the new grading language used in kindergarten through second grade, and when it may be helpful to reach out to a teacher.
The conversation also explores the bigger goal behind the changes: helping families look beyond a single grade and better understand their child’s growth and learning throughout the school year. If you have specific questions about your student’s grades, check in with your teacher and school to get clarification.
11 Jun 2026
Beyond the Book Fair: Summer Reading Tips for Every Age
Summer is a great time for students to relax and recharge, but it is also a meaningful opportunity to keep reading in ways that feel fun and manageable.
In this episode, host Katie LaPira is joined by three RCPS librarians: Margaret Alger from Riverbend Elementary School, Mary Sonifrank from J. Frank Hillyard Middle School, and Tim Mumbauer from Turner Ashby High School. The three RCPS librarians discuss how families can encourage summer reading for students in elementary, middle, and high school, and they share resources available to student to keep their reading momentum going.
Additionally, Margaret, Mary, and Tim share tips for building a love of reading in young children, supporting middle school readers as they explore new formats and genres, and helping high school students continue reading for enjoyment even when life gets busy. They also discuss the value of audiobooks, graphic novels, manga, books in verse, and giving students choice in what they read.
Families will come away with simple, encouraging ideas for helping students stay connected to books all summer long.
7 May 2026
Building a Culture of Service
What does it really mean to build a culture of service in our schools? How can these experiences be not just a one-time event, but something more integrated that students carry with them?
In this episode, Katie LaPira talks with Kim Davidson and Misty Newman from James Madison University’s Community Engagement and Volunteer Center about how service can move from a checklist to a mindset. They explore the idea of students as collaborators and contributors, the importance of listening to community partners, and how meaningful engagement can shape students’ academic paths, career interests, and sense of purpose.
Kim and Misty offer practical ways schools can begin to embed service into everyday learning, from early exposure in elementary school to leadership opportunities in high school. Whether you’re a parent, educator, or community partner, you’ll walk away with ideas for helping students see themselves as part of something bigger, and how small, intentional steps can lead to lasting impact.
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
3 ratings
Spotify
5.0 / 5
1 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 19 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
14
Social presence
0
YouTube
0
Engagement
60
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Questions about RCPS Community Partner Cafe
Who hosts RCPS Community Partner Cafe?
Katie LaPira host the show. Published by RCPS Comm.
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The show publishes monthly, based on its RSS feed.
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