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United Way Campaign a Success

Rockingham County Public School’s Staff, Students Raise More than $24,000 for Local United Way

Rockingham County Public Schools raised over $24,000 for the United Way of Harrisonburg and Rockingham County. RCPS employees and students worked to raise the funds for the community using the theme “The Twelve Days of United Way” in December.

“We are pleased with the $24, 201.84 that was raised by our schools, our staff and our students,” said Janet T. Wendelken, Director of Instructional Programs at RCPS and United Way Coordinator. In 2007, RCPS raised $17,759.07 for United Way. “Our 2008 campaign goal was to meet and increase that amount, and we did it.”

A presentation was made to the School Board members at the Rockingham County School Board meeting held Jan. 13.  Betsy Hay, Executive Director of the United Way of Harrisonburg and Rockingham County, told the School Board that RCPS is now part of the “30 Club.” This is the group of businesses and organizations that have met and exceeded their last year’s fundraising by 30 percent.

“Let me recognize the volunteer representatives who worked on the RCPS United Way Campaign,” said Wendelken. Every Rockingham County school and the Central Offices had a representative.

Broadway High – Yates Hall                                 
Spotswood High - Brandy Strickler
Turner Ashby High – Terry Propst                       
Massanutten Tech – James Orndoff           
Dayton Learning Center – Gloria Combs

Elkton Middle – Judy Thompson                       
J. Frank Hillyard Middle – Betsy Thomas
Montevideo Middle – Kaye Cline                       
Wilbur Pence Middle – Lisa Bailey

Cub Run Elem. – Amy Hite                            
Elkton Elem. – Sally Brown
Fulks Run Elem. – Susan Fox                       
Lacey Spring Elem. – Gayle Joiner
Linville-Edom Elem. – Karen Puckett           
McGaheysville Elem. – Therese Warner
Mt. View Elem. – Deb Mason                       
John C. Myers Elem. – Robin Garrett
Ottobine Elem. – Tammy Mundy                  
Peak View Elem. – Beth Gillette
Plains Elem. – Maria Blair                             
Pleasant Valley Elem. – Jackie Miller
South River Elem. – Nancy Martin                       
John Wayland Elem. – Amy Harris

Bus Garage – Jim Slye                                   
Maintenance – Steve Reid
Food Service/Support – Gerald Lehman           
Central Office – Janet Wendelken and Donna Miller

United Way will be celebrating this fundraising achievement at an upcoming breakfast. United Way representatives for RCPS have been invited to attend the breakfast on Feb. 10 to celebrate the fundraising effort.

“Congratulations to the staff and students at the Rockingham County Schools for their support and caring for the community,” said Wendelken.

Rockingham County Public Schools were recognized in February by the United Way of Harrisonburg and Rockingham County for exceeding the campaign funds raised in 2008 over the prior year. The RCPS United Way Campaign was recognized as part of the "30 Percent Club," increasing the funds raised by at least 30 percent over the year before. RCPS representatives at the report breakfast were (from left) Ed Smith, Assistant Superintendent for Instruction; Dr. Carol Fenn, Superintendent; Nancy Martin-Finks, Counselor at South River Elementary and UW Coordinator for the school; Robin Garrett, Secretary at John C. Myers Elementary School and UW Coordinator for the school, and Janet Wendelken, UW Campaign Coordinator. The team was introduced and asked to share information on best practices for the RCPS Campaign. More than $24,000 was raised by RCPS to support health and human service agencies in the community.

For more information, contact Janet T. Wendelken, at the RCPS at 540 564-3218.