Rockingham County Public Schools is fortunate to have schools in robust communities that have businesses, organizations, and industries that can form partnerships with our schools. A strong economy also provides more opportunities for our graduates to find meaningful employment and pursue further education.
Our schools work with many community partners who provide financial contributions to schools, funding programs like STEM initiatives, arts, or extracurricular activities. Recently, the Town of Elkton recognized Elkton Elementary School for its contributions to its Downtown Marketplace.
In a press release issued by The Virginia Municipal League (VML) on September 16, 2024, the Town of Elkton was selected as a winner of the 2024 Innovation Awards in Local Government for their Downtown Marketplace. They stated, “Elkton Downtown Marketplace serves as the epitome of a project built by the community, for the community. The project's construction cost approximately $1 million, a significant undertaking for a town with only 3,000 residents that relies heavily on tax dollars for infrastructure projects. The most meaningful donation came from the students at Elkton Elementary School, who collected $1112.02 in funds—no small task for a school of just under 300 students!"
Students and their families can now enjoy Elkton Downtown Marketplace, a centrally located, all-encompassing park that is available to people with disabilities. It is the town's social hub and helps small businesses, farmers, musicians, and artists grow their businesses. Tina Coffman, Elkton Elementary School employee stated, “We are very proud to be a part of this historic event for our town.”
In a recent YouTube video, created by the Town of Elkton, some of our students were featured along with many other Elkton community members.