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Last month, the state board of education approved new achievement levels for all end of course (EOC) and end of grade (EOG) tests. Results will now include five scoring levels instead of four, Nash-Rocky Mount Schools (NRMS) assistant superintendent Robin May reported to the board at their work session last week.
The new Level 3 has been inserted between the old Level 2 and Level 3, enabling more students to earn proficiency status.

A community bank plans to open its doors in Downtown Nashville in the coming weeks.
Providence Bank will open on May 1 at 241 W Washington Street. A ribbon cutting and grand opening celebration will be held on that same day.
This will be the fourth location for Providence Bank, which started in Rocky Mount in 2006. There are currently two locations in Rocky Mount and one in Tarboro.

Emma Bissette, 2, enjoyed Red Oak’s Easter Egg Hunt at Ennis Park on Saturday, along with her seven-month old sister, Payton. The event also included photos with the Easter Bunny along with a bounce house. Nashville will hold its Easter festivities on Monday, April 21 with an Easter Egg Hunt at 9:30 a.m. at Glover Park followed by storytime at 10:30 a.m. at Cooley Library.

Nashville Town Manager Preston Mitchell told council members earlier this month that there was space at Glover Park to construct a splash pad in the future.
The splash pad was an idea discussed at the town’s annual retreat earlier this year and has been on the town’s list of goals and objectives for several years. The concept was the brainchild of former councilman Tommy Rogers but seemed far fetched due to cost restraints.

The Town of Middlesex is moving forward with pursuing grant funding to rehab and replace several of its sewer lift stations.
Towards the end of 2013, Middlesex Commissioners were given a report on the town’s 11 lift station. The report gave bad news that most of the stations were in need of some sort of repairs. Three of the town’s lift stations were in dire need of maintenance.

A vision from a local youth pastor set in motion the idea for the Collins Street Block Party.
Nashville United Methodist Church is hosting the block party on Saturday, April 26 from 3 until 7 p.m.
The idea came from Youth Pastor Luke Whitehead.
Whitehead had a vision to raise money to purchase Bibles for children in Nash County that may not have one.

Students at Red Oak Middle School have spent the school year focusing on giving back to the community.
The school has raised money for several organizations, including the Jimmy V. Foundation and Pasta for Pennies. Students have also donated stuff animals, coats and blankets to those in need.
Red Oak Middle School Principal Margaret Sharpe said students have really embraced the school’s goal of giving back and went above and beyond her expectations.