River Bend Middle School

10/19/2026

The Captain of our Pirate Crew! 🏴‍☠️

👊 A fist bump. A connection. A reminder that someone believes in you.

During National Principals’ Month, we’re celebrating James Byrd, principal of Bend Middle School! This moment with a student reflects the belief at the heart of his leadership: when people know you believe in them, they can accomplish great things.

Mr. Byrd is especially grateful for a faculty that cares deeply about students—the kind of adults he says he needed in his own life at their age.

What IGNITES him? Knowing his actions can open doors of opportunity for others. He encourages staff and students to see what’s possible, believe in growth, and keep working toward success—even when it takes time to see the progress.

💬 “Success is not final; failure is not fatal.”

Thank you, Mr. Byrd, for IGNITING confidence, believing in your school community, and helping students discover what they can achieve! 🔥

10/16/2026

RBMS had 53 students receive Positive Office Referrals during the first quarter. Staff members recognize Pirate students who really SAIL at our school by filling out cards for recognition. City of Hickory, NC - Government Mayor Guess was on hand when we issued our first ones this year. He advised those students to "Always look for positive examples, and always be positive examples for others." Thank you to all of these young people for working towards being leaders at River Bend Middle School!

10/15/2026

Three Words, One Amazing Principal! ❤️🏴‍☠️

October is Principal Appreciation Month, and our River Bend Pirates had a special way of celebrating Mr. Byrd. Students were challenged to describe Mr. B or tell a story about him using just three words!

Sometimes, three little words can say SO much!

Thank you, Mr. Byrd, for all you do for our students, staff, and River Bend family. We appreciate you!

10/15/2026

Some of the Pirate 8th-graders traveled with GEAR UP Appalachian to Boone to attend Appalachian State University’s STEAM Expo! Students enjoyed hands-on science activities, witnessed an exciting physics demonstration, and heard from faculty and staff researchers who are making discoveries in science and mathematics.

Experiences like these spark curiosity, encourage exploration, and help students see the exciting possibilities that await them in future college and career pathways!

10/15/2026

The last two years, Pirate students have heard from guest speakers about the acronym PUSH, which stands for Persevere Until Success Happens. Our football team has shown a lot of resilience this season, and continuing to PUSH paid off tonight with a 28-0 victory over Grandview. Great job, gentlemen! Next game will be at Newton-Conover next Wednesday at 6pm.

10/11/2026

📚🚨 Last Call, River Bend! Monday is the LAST DAY of the Scholastic Book Fair! This is your final chance to grab that book you’ve been eyeing, pick up a favorite series, or snag one last Book Fair treasure. Don’t let the Book Fair sail away without you!

Can’t make it in person? Families and friends near and far can shop online too! ❤️

Best part? Every purchase helps us earn books for the River Bend Media Center!
https://bookfairs.scholastic.com/bf/riverbendmiddleschool

10/09/2026

Warning: Visiting the Book Fair may result in extreme book excitement! Browse the shelves, make your wish list, and find something you can’t wait to read. The Scholastic Book Fair is happening NOW in the Media Center!

Every purchase helps us earn books for the River Bend Media Center!
https://bookfairs.scholastic.com/bf/riverbendmiddleschool

10/08/2026

Congratulations to our Cross Country Runners of the Week - Angelina and Rayden!

They have worked really hard this season. Angelina has been the 1st runner on the girls team consistently this season. Rayden has improved his time each week and getting better and better.

Way to go, Pirates!

10/07/2026

Happy National Coaches Day to our Amazing Pirate Crew!

A big thank-you to the coaches who help our Pirates grow, compete, lead, and give their best every day! Your impact goes far beyond the field!

Let's show our awesome coaches our gratitude for all that they do!

10/07/2026

Celebrating Our September Employees of the Month! 🏴‍☠️🎉

Congratulations to Mr. Lampert, 8th Grade ELA Teacher, and Nurse Katie Carr, our September Employees of the Month!

Thank you both for the care, dedication, and positive impact you bring to River Bend each and every day. We are so lucky to have you as part of our Pirate family.

Help us congratulate Mr. Lampert and Nurse Katie Carr on this well-deserved recognition!