Rutherfordton Elementary

05/27/2026

05/27/2026

Why RCS? 🎓

Because graduation is never just about a diploma.

It’s about the teachers who stayed after class.
The coaches who pushed students to grow.
The friendships built in classrooms, on fields, on stages, and in hallways.
The moments of challenge, growth, faith, laughter, and accomplishment that shaped the journey along the way.

Now that graduation season has come to a close, we’re celebrating not only what our students achieved — but who they’ve become.

Congratulations to all of our graduates. Once an RCS student, always part of the RCS family. ❤️

05/26/2026

TRANSPARENCY TUESDAY | What's ahead for RCS school leadership?

On June 2, the Rutherford County Board of Education will receive the Human Resources report as part of its regular monthly meeting. Among the items presented that evening will be a series of administrative assignments for the 2026–2027 school year. Here's a preview of what to expect.

At the principal level, upcoming retirements and role changes create openings at several schools. The anticipated assignments pair proven leaders with schools where they are well positioned to succeed, while also creating meaningful advancement opportunities for administrators who are ready for a new level of leadership.

At the district level, our Instructional Services department is advancing a thoughtful reorganization, realigning roles between the district and school levels to better reflect our instructional priorities and resources.

Together, these changes create additional opportunities at the assistant principal level, where several anticipated assignment changes are designed to strengthen school leadership teams and support the professional growth of current administrators.

Full assignment announcements will be made at the June 2 board meeting.

Good decisions take time. Transparent decisions build trust.

05/25/2026

Please join us in celebrating Rutherfordton Elementary’s 2026 Instructional Assistants of the Year — Whitney Greene and Dana Zaffuto! 🚀

These incredible ladies go above and beyond each and every day to support our students, staff, and school community. Their kindness, dedication, flexibility, and love for our Rockets do not go unnoticed. Whether working directly with students, supporting classrooms, or stepping in wherever needed, they help make Rutherfordton Elementary a better place for everyone.

We are so thankful for the impact they have on our school and the relationships they build with our students each day. Congratulations, Ms. Greene and Ms. Zaffuto! We are lucky to have you both as part of our Rocket Family! 💙

05/25/2026

MYTH BUSTER MONDAY |

Myth: The end of the school year is all about high-stakes testing.

Fact: It's also a time to acknowledge and celebrate the ways our schools invest in our families and communities.

This spring, five RCS elementary schools partnered with the American Heart Association to bring the Kids Heart Challenge to their students and families, and the results were remarkable.

2,200 students and families received heart healthy information. 105 families learned Hands-Only CPR and how to recognize the warning signs of a stroke. And together, RCS schools raised $9,775 in lifesaving donations for the American Heart Association.

That kind of impact doesn't happen by accident. It happens because of educators who say yes to opportunities that go beyond the classroom and who understand that healthy, informed families make stronger communities.

Three schools led the way:

🏆 #1 Rutherfordton Elementary, led by Andrew McDaniel

🏆 #2 Forest City-Dunbar Elementary, led by Adam Cooper

🏆 #3 Harris Elementary, led by Kendra Henson

And every participating school deserves recognition:

Ellenboro Elementary
Forest City-Dunbar Elementary
Harris Elementary
Pinnacle Elementary
Rutherfordton Elementary

Testing matters. But so does teaching a parent how to save a life.

To our students, families, and the dedicated educators who made this possible — thank you. This is what RCS schools do.

05/22/2026

Yesterday we celebrated one INCREDIBLE group of Rockets during our Kindergarten Promotion Ceremony! 🚀❤️

It is hard to believe that these students walked through our doors just months ago as some very nervous little learners, and now they are reading, writing, problem solving, making friendships, and growing into confident young leaders.

We are so proud of the growth they have made this year — not just academically, but socially and emotionally as well. Their smiles, excitement, kindness, and love for learning have filled our hallways all year long.

A HUGE thank you to our Kindergarten Team for loving these students so well each and every day and to our families for trusting us with your precious Rockets.

Kindergarten may be complete, but these students are just getting started. The future is bright for the Class of 2038! 🌟

05/22/2026

Please join us in celebrating Mrs. Sandra Nanney and her incredible impact on Rutherford County Schools and Rutherfordton Elementary! 💙🚀

After serving Rutherford County Schools for 32 years in the classroom, Mrs. Nanney returned home to Rutherfordton Elementary where she has spent the last 7 years serving our students as a tutor. To know Mrs. Nanney is to know someone who truly loves children and believes in helping every student succeed.

While we hope she enjoys this “2nd retirement,” we also hope she knows just how much she will be missed. Her kindness, patience, dedication, and love for our students have left a lasting mark on our school community.

Thank you, Mrs. Nanney, for the countless lives you have touched over the years. You will always be a Rocket! 🚀

05/22/2026

Please join us as we celebrate and honor Mr. Buford Brown for 15 years of dedicated service to Rutherford County Schools and Rutherfordton Elementary!

For years, Mr. Brown has safely transported some of our youngest Rockets each and every day with kindness, patience, and a caring heart. Our Pre-K students and families have been blessed by his calm presence, warm smile, and commitment to ensuring students arrived safely to and from school.

Mr. Brown has truly made a difference in the lives of countless children and families over the years. While we will certainly miss seeing him each day, his impact on our Rocket Family will always remain.

Thank you, Mr. Brown, for your years of service, your dedication to students, and the care you have shown our school community. Once a Rocket, ALWAYS a Rocket! 🚀

05/22/2026

🎓✨ Future Focused Friday ✨🎓

As we continue celebrating our seniors and the bright futures ahead of them, last night we had the honor of celebrating the Chase High School Class of 2026 at their graduation ceremony!

Today, we look forward to celebrating the graduates of R-S Central High School, and tomorrow we will cheer on the seniors of East Rutherford High School as they walk across the stage and into their next chapter.

At RCS, being Future Focused means supporting our students as they prepare for success beyond graduation — whether that path leads to college, careers, military service, or new opportunities. We are proud of each senior and excited to see the impact they will make in the future.

Congratulations to the Class of 2026! Your future is bright!