Phone: 919-989-6039

Email:

Degrees and Certifications:

Mrs. Melissa Rigsbee

Welcome to Life Skills! My name is Melissa Rigsbee. I am married and have 2 children (19, 13). I love to travel and my children and I are theme park enthusiasts. If we are not camping, we can likely be found at a theme park. I was a stay-at-home mom/full-time college student while my children were young. Once my youngest started school, I went back to working full time. I graduated from NC Wesleyan College in 2013 with a BA in Psychology and Criminal Justice magna cum laude. I have always wanted to be a teacher, so after working with preschool-aged students for a while, I decided to go back to school to get my teaching license through William Peace University. Special education has had a very special place in my heart since my youngest was developmentally delayed, had seizures, and couldn't talk until he was almost 5. Without his team, he would not be where he is today!It truly takes a village! I believe that all students have the ability to learn, we just have to work together to figure out how each student learns best. I started at Polenta Elementary in January 2021. Before Polenta, I did my student teaching at a high school in the Life Skills Classrooms where I had been an instructional assistant for 3 years. I look forward to helping your child grow and learn.

  • Mrs. Rigsbee's Classroom Daily Schedule

    8:25: Buses arrive

    8:45: Car riders arrive. Toileting as needed

    8:45-9:00: Breakfast

    9:00-9:15:  Morning meeting/Calendar 

    9:15-9:30: Social Skills. Toileting as needed

    9:30-10:30: Reading/Math Small Groups

    10:30-11:00 Science/Social Studies

    11:05-11:25: Enhancements 

    11:30-11:50 Gross Motor Skills 

    11:50-12:20 Lunch (toileting after lunch)

    12:20-12:45: Independent exploration 

    12:45-1:00 Functional Living Skills

    1:00-1:20: Recess (outside weather permitting)

    1:20-1:40 Math whole group 

    1:40-2:40  Reading/Math small groups

    2:40-2:55 snack

    2:55-3:15 Sensory walk

    3:15-3:30 Whole Group Literacy 

    3:30 Diaper/Toileting/ Pack up 

    3:45 load buses

     

    *subject to change based on students’ needs

     

    A Week

    B Week

    M, W, F- Science 

    M, W, F Social Studies

    T, TH-Social studies

    T, TH- Science

     

Puma News

School Announcements

JCPS Announcements

  • 2023-2024 School Calendars Approved

    The Johnston County Board of Education approved the 2023-2024 Traditional Staff and Student Calendars at their March Board of Education meeting. 

    Comments (-1)
  • New Wellness Opportunity for JCPS Students, Staff, and Families

    Johnston County Public Schools is committed to the health, safety, and well-being of our students, staff, and families. With that in mind, we are excited to announce to you our partnership with Care Solace, a mental health care coordination service.

    Comments (-1)
  • JCPS to hold Job Fair on April 15

    Johnston County Public Schools will hold a Job Fair on Saturday, April 15 from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM at West Johnston High School.

    Comments (-1)
  • Updated School Nutrition Information for 2022-23

    We hope that you and your student have already noticed some of the exciting new food and  meal opportunities we are offering in our cafeterias this school year. Our new options will include more fresh produce, vegetarian options, and opportunities for students to customize their meal choice. These new offerings will be available at both breakfast and lunch. 

    Comments (-1)
  • 2022 Growth Needs Update

    Johnston County Public Schools Chief of Facilities and Construction Brooks Moore presented the 2022 Growth Needs Update to the Johnston County Board of Education at their March meeting.

    Comments (-1)

Polenta Events

View Calendar
  • School Supply List

    Change of clothes (shorts/pants, shirt, socks)

    Diapers if needed

    Wipes

    Plastic shoe sized storage box with extra spoons/forks, cups, bibs

    1 inch 3 ring binder 

    1 pack of baby/hand wipes

    Backpack large enough to fit folder 

     

    Classroom Wish list

    Lysol wipes

    Lysol Disinfectant Spray

    Gloves (size large work best)

    Hand Soap

    Air freshener/oil diffuser

    Paper towels

    Baby wipes

    Individual Containers of Play-Doh

    Scotch Thermal Laminating Pouches (8 x 11)

    Copy Paper (8X11)

    Cardstock (white and multicolored)

    Expo markers (dry erase) 

    Tissues

    Gallon Ziploc bags

    Diaper Genie refills

    Swiffer mop and refills

    Small candies (skittles/dum-dums/ect.)

    Individual snacks (gold fish, crackers, cookies, etc.)