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| Tuesday (PM), January 26, 2021
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| Dear #RPSStrong Family,
Please forgive me for the delay tonight! It's late so I'll cut to the chase: thank you for sharing so many wonderful shout-outs for our school leaders! On my weekly principal call this afternoon, we took a group photo (see below) with everyone making the heart sign. This is now one of my all-time favorite RPS photos, as it so beautifully represents our motto: Teach with Love, Lead with Love, and Serve with Love. These incredible leaders give their entire souls to the students, families, and staff of RPS, and I couldn't be more honored to work alongside them every day.
Before signing off, I want to give my principal when I was a teacher in DC – Mr. William Lipscomb – a shout out. Thank you for picking me up from the Minnesota Avenue metro stop that first day and for all your support ever since. I'm forever in your debt.
With great appreciation,
Jason
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- Principal Dabney, this week is all about you. You are at the top of my list when it comes to the principals that I have worked with. Thank you so much for never forgetting that you were first a teacher, so you know what we go through on a daily basis. The support that you give does not go unnoticed. I miss walking into your office for my daily check in. I appreciate everything that you have done and continue do for not only our children but also the staff. Enjoy your well deserved week of love!!!
- I would like to shout out Principal Cook at Henry Marsh. She started at Mason last year and gave her all in getting to know an already established staff. Her efforts to join the team were so impressive that she has staff members willing to follow her anywhere because of her leadership, open communication, support, and team-focused nature. Principal Cook communicates daily how impactful and important the staff are and she is sooo dedicated to the children and families – making it a priority to connect with parents via phone, weekly, just to check in and follow up. Marsh is extremely lucky to have such a beautiful spirit.
- I would like to shout out Principal Anderson of J.H. Blackwell Elementary! Dr. Anderson is a strong leader who wants the best for our students. I really appreciate that she always has a new book recommendation and holds us (her teachers) accountable to best practices. Thank you, Dr. Anderson, for all your hard work!
- I'd like to shout-out our fabulous principal at Overby-Sheppard Elementary School, Shayla Holeman. Both Principal Holeman and our AP, Mr. Samuels, are full of wisdom, determination, and humor.
- Shout out to Principal Kimberly Cook at Marsh Elementary for her grace, leadership, and support during this challenging school year. She is always positive and encourages you to be your best self. Thank you, Principal Cook, for all you do!
- Shout-out Principal Murray at John Marshall High School! Her determined efforts, strategic mindset, and unwavering optimism have consistently been an encouragement to us (teachers) who are working from home. She has done an incredible job at the helm during such a stormy season to equip us to do the best work we can and make us laugh after some long weeks. Thank you for all you do, Principal Murray!
- Out this world shoutout to Dr. MJ! I just wanted to share my sincerest thank you. It has not been an easy transition for any of us, but your leadership, friendship and positive attitude have helped pull us through. I feel very fortunate to have you as our principal, motivating staff and students to strive for success daily. Thank you for all that you do. We are Team #Rising Stars Strong!"
- I'd like to shout out Michael Powell, principal of John B. Cary Elementary School, for being so invested in our students' futures to create a better Richmond. He is an amazing person to learn from and to work with. He truly cares about our special education department and how we can be not just good, but great. Thank you for everything you do, Mr. Powell!
- Happy Principal's Week to Ginter Park Elementary's Lucy Jones – a true example of leading with love, a perfect balance of mind and heart, a treasured RPS gem. Thank you for shining your bright light on these uncharted paths, Ms. Jones. We love you!
- As a new member of MLK's leadership team, I can honestly say that Mrs. Dabney has never made me feel like the new person on the team. Since my first day, she has been supportive, understanding, and empowering! No matter the situation, Mrs. Dabney has been transparent and available – from early telephone calls to late-night texts, I can count on Mrs. Dabney for advice, support, and direction.
- Mrs. Dabney is courageous! As our fearless leader, Mrs. Dabney is authentic and adept at advocating for our school. Whether that is ensuring high expectations for our scholars or supporting one of our teachers, Mrs. Dabney is a Titan for the MLK school community! I am forever grateful for your influence and blessed to serve alongside you! Thank you for your leadership and unwavering support.
- I would like to recognize one of our STEMtastic scholars at MLK, Amira Scott. Aamira is a well-rounded young lady who strives for greatness in her classes. She has shown a heightened interest in the coding programs being offered by our partners: Code Beats, First Robotics, and Richmond Action Alliance. Her STEM teacher expressed that she is mastering all of the different forms of coding and really excelling at speaking the coding language.
- I want to extend a huge shout out to all the staff who volunteered their time today to add input to our optional Black History Month meeting! We had some amazing work take place today and we cannot wait to see how it benefits our scholars. We appreciate you, Ms. Chelsea Carter, Mrs. Anne Culbreth-Washington, Ms. Tameka DePriest, Mr. Antoine Fries, Mr. Alonzo Tweedy, and Mrs. Anne Wendel. #YouAreAppreciated
- I would like to thank Mrs. Menjivar for her continuous efforts in securing funds for incentives for our ELA and STEM scholars! Also, I would like to highlight Mrs. Menjivar for her leadership and the congeniality that she is building within the 6th grade team! We appreciate, Mrs. Menjivar!
- A huge shout out to Principal Kelly Tobe at Summer Hill Preschool Center, home of the Tigers. She genuinely cares about the Summer Hill family. She makes every effort to ensure that staff and students receive the things they need in order to have a successful virtual learning experience. She totally rocks. We at Summer Hill are so blessed to have her at the helm of our ship. Thank you, Mrs. Tobe!!!!
- I would like to take this opportunity to shout out our amazing principal, Mrs. Dabney. She is not only a leader for us at MLK Middle School, but is a beacon in the community along with several other administrators. Mrs. Dabney has led us during this crisis in a calm and collected manner, and has been our anchor every step of the way, providing support, information, and guidance, whenever needed . Wishing her a Happy Principal Appreciation Week!
- I need for these staff members to be recognized for going above and beyond and letting me know that my grandson is in very capable hands throughout his school days. Those staff members are: Mr. Gene Parris, Ms. Rantisha Whitaker, Ms. Ashunti Bayhlor and Mr. Cecil Minor. I can honestly say they are the true definition of educators and just good-hearted, good-natured individuals. Thank you for allowing them to be the best they can be.
- I would like to send a big shout-out to Principal Hines at Bellevue Elementary. Ms. Hines is a great principal to work with. She cares so much for her students and staff. Ms. Hines goes above and beyond, making sure her students as well as their parents are okay. Well done, Ms. Hines!
- I want to give a major shout out to our principal, Mr. Gordon, from Oak Grove Elementary School. It is only a short time that I have been working at the school but I must admit that I have never met a person with such a commitment to the school and to the children. Thank you, Mr. Gordon, for being a great example of hard work and love. I know that God will reward every one of his efforts.
- I would like to shoutout art teacher Karly Hartline from Chimborazo Elementary! Karly has taken time out of her busy schedule to help me (another elementary art teacher) learn new ways to engage students through Google slides and Google classroom. Thank you, Karly!
- I would like to give a shoutout to the new senior licensure specialist, Taryn Crawley. Ms. Crawley is a great example of serving with love, as she assisted me gracefully with licensure concerns. Thank you for all you do!
- I would like to shoutout the best principal in all of RPS, Melissa Rickey. She truly "leads from the front" and has continued to amaze me with the effort she has maintained to ensure community and wellness at Binford. Not enough good things can be said about her! Happy Virginia School Principals Appreciation Week!
- I would like to shoutout Dr. Massenburg-Johnson, affectionately known as Dr. MJ! You are so loved and appreciated as a leader. It continues to be a pleasure working alongside you at Mary Scott. Happy Virginia School Principals Appreciation Week!
- I would like to give a loud and roaring shoutout from Cougar Nation to Principal Michael Powell. Thank you for all you do for the Cary community. Happy Virginia School Principals Appreciation Week!
- I would like to shout out Ms. James, school counselor at Holton for her Second Step video lessons, and Mr. Clark, Holton music teacher, for his work with students. This weekend my 2nd grader told us he was learning about empathy from Ms. James when we were having a discussion about how to care for others. Later that day, we heard Beethoven mentioned in a movie and my child chimed in with, “I learned about him from Mr. Clark” and he also asked to download the quaver app to his tablet so he could play music games. As difficult as the virtual environment has been for him some days, It feels good to know that he is still learning, growing and expanding his knowledge. Thank you, Ms. James and Mr. Clark!
- Shout out to Principal Tashiana Ivy at Albert Hill Middle School from the Museum District! Her contagious enthusiasm and total commitment to the students and staff at Albert Hill has made a difference in our community. It’s clear she loves the Albert Hill Tigers! Thank you, Principal Ivy!
- I would like to give a shout out to Dr. Abrego-Meneses. He cares about both the students and staff and encourages us all to do our best.
- I would like to shout out Principal Tiawana Giles of Carver Elementary.vShe is always willing to jump right in and help – and even teach. In the middle of a lesson, she said, "Ms. ________, try this." I am not an exception, she does this all the time. She is a true leader and relationship builder. Most importantly, she loves the students of Carver Elementary.
- I want to shout out Mr. Cornelius Smith of Carver Elementary, as he is always willing to drop off supplies (safely) and even help with contacting parents. He never complains! This is above and beyond.
- Lastly, I would like to shout out our coaching team, who continuously make themselves available to assist the entire staff no matter the day or time. Thank you, Ms. Hobson, Ms. Pitts, and Ms. Heyward.
- I'd like to shout out teacher Virgil Hockaday, aka Hock, at Armstrong High School. Mr. Hockaday is an Armstrong High alum (Class of '76) and bleeds orange and blue. He worked tirelessly to help the kids complete RPS@Home modules (just about all times of the day) and their current Edgenuity classes. He is truly a renaissance man who can help tutor the kids in any course or difficulty in life. Just to name a few: yearbook, woodshop, special education, and core tutoring. On top of that, Mr. Hockaday hasn't missed a day of work in at least 3 years. He helps people like myself see Armstrong is more than just a name on a building. Thanks for all you do, Hock!
- I'd like to shout out Daniela Jacobs and LaTonya Oliver at Fox Elementary during Principal Appreciation Week! They lead our school with enthusiasm and positivity...musical vibes and an upbeat word of the day to get us started each day! We are fortunate to have these ladies steering our ship through this Covid storm with grace and love!
- I'd like to show my gratitude to Principal Jonathan Mitchum for his leadership, encouragement, guidance, and support for the PLC at the Richmond Technical Center. He is always accessible and willing to lend a hand in any challenge or obstacle. He truly cares for all of our students and staff and is willing to go the extra mile to ensure our PLC students succeed. He inspires us to teach our students well while fostering connections, relationships, and conversations. Mr. Mitchum is a true servant leader, giving of himself for the success of students and teachers. Kudos to you, Mr. Mitchum!
- Mrs. Tobe is the best! She shows all of her staff just how much she cares. I am so proud to be a part of Summer Hill Pre School.
- I would like to shout out my amazing principal colleagues, Crystal Hartsfield, Kelly Tobe, Dr. Johnnye Massenburg-Johnson and Dr. Victoria Hampton, who inspire me to work harder, be better and care that much more for our preschoolers. Preschool is real in every way imaginable, and these ladies are doing an awesome job.
- Shout-out to Boushall Middle School's Mathematics Department for developing and running the first MAcademics Competition to support our scholar's academic vocabulary and success in mathematics! Shout-out to our scholars who have won this round of the MAcademics competition: Guadalupe Pena-Torresv (6th-Ms. Polacheck), Yoily Garcia-Martinez (7th-Ms. Harrison), Yoana Gomez (8th-Ms. Mitchell) and Joselin Argueta-Lemus (Algebra I-Mr. Graves)! #EagleExcellence
- Happy Principal Appreciation Week to Mr. Antoine London, principal at Henderson Middle School! Mr. London is amazing. He answers questions quickly and cheerfully - no matter how silly the questions are! His positive attitude in these most extreme times is comforting and clearly has inspired the Henderson teachers to do the same!
- I want to shout-out Principal El Koubi at Westover Hills Elementary School. From the time schools shut down in March, she helped teachers continue to feel connected. She has been very positive through the chaos of the virtual school year, and she tries to make the families feel connected.
- This shout out is for one of the most dedicated and sincere principals in RPS. Dr. Atkinson, fondly known to us as Dr. A, is dedicated and committed to the students, staff and community of PHSSA. She deeply cares for others (adults and children) and fosters a supportive, respectful school climate. She goes above and beyond the call of duty, fulfilling "what it takes and more" to support teachers and students. She works long hours, at home and school, staying on top of her responsibilities and duties. She is a lover of nature and the arts, and brings creative and innovative programs to our school. To help us be the best we can be, teachers and support staff are given the necessary resources and offered quality professional development to strengthen teaching practices. Dr. A, we are so fortunate to have you as our school leader! You are loved, respected and our inspiration!
- Thank you to the exceptional education staff at J.L. Francis Elementary. You are rock stars!! I truly appreciate your dedication, commitment, and flexibility, and your hard work does not go unnoticed. Thank you for all you do! Your help makes all the difference! #EagleStrong
- I would like to give a shout out to Principal Dr. Pisani. He has shown a great deal of patience, courage, encouragement, and a willingness to serve his entire staff through this pandemic. The preparation and communication from Dr. Pisani deserve recognition. I appreciate the time and effort he puts into emailing and keeping staff abreast of all school-related information. Thanks, and it is much appreciated!
- Sending a shout out to Mr. Andrew Miles, band director at Huguenot High School, for your amazing work with performing and recording accompaniment tracks for students to use at home for rehearsals. Thank you for answering the call for anyone at any time. Thank you for the gift of music to our students. Thank you!!
- Shout out to Ms. Gary (Massenburg) at G.H. Reid. Her ability to quickly differentiate an assessment to meet the needs of her English learners is impressive.
- I would like to share a huge shoutout to Ms. Nicole Glover at Huguenot HS. She truly loves helping all students and does it in an impressive way. She’s prompt and professional. Way to go, Ms. Glover!
- I want to shout out to the principal and APs at Huguenot High School. When my wife was sick in November, and passed away in December, Mr. Gilstrap, Dr. Hines, Mr. Olds, and Ms. Oliver were the first ones to reach out to support me during a very difficult time. I am not sure how I would have gotten through those months without their support and caring. They continue to be supportive as I move forward in my new situation. I am grateful for them every day.
- Mrs. Sheleta Crews, our awesome principal at Southampton Elementary, has been a true supporter and advocate for our staff and students during this pandemic. She meets with us each morning to start the day on a positive note and personalizes her approach in only a way that she can. She is witty, charismatic, compassionate, and knowledgeable. She doesn't hesitate to call her staff directly to make sure we have the most reliable information and is always accessible when you need her. She's a team player who respects and trusts her staff enough to express our creativity through instruction, especially in these interesting times. Principal Crews is a true asset to Southampton and the RPS community. I'm thankful for her leadership and vision.
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| Opportunity for RPS HS Quarterbacks – I'm excited to share a very special opportunity exclusively for our high school quarterbacks. Malcolm Bell, founder of Undefeated Quarterback Training, is offering his elite training program to RPS quarterbacks FREE of charge. If you know of an RPS quarterback who might be interested, please have them contact Mr. Bell at malcolm@undefeatedqbt.com. Thank you for your generosity, Mr. Bell! And thank you to Council Member Jones for putting this on our radar screen!
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| Vaccine Information Sessions – The YMCA is hosting a series of virtual information sessions about the COVID-19 vaccine with the Richmond and Henrico Health Districts. The one-hour events will be held on January 27, February 8, and February 17. See below for details.
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| Girls for a Change – The Girls or a Change Girl Action Teams are excited to announce their new partnership with the Jr. NBA, offering leadership opportunities to young women athletes in middle and high school. Participants will learn about social justice movements, and design/implement creative solutions to address an issue in their community. Sign up here to learn more and join a Girl Action Team!
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| Scholarships – The Dream Project Scholarship is awarded to immigrant students who demonstrate academic achievement, leadership, community involvement, and perseverance in the face of adversity. The application closes on February 1.
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Facilitated Learning Centers – As a reminder, there are still seats available at the "facilitated learning centers" serving RPS students. See below for details.
- Peter Paul Development Center is running a facilitated learning center at MLK MS for 2nd-8th grade RPS students. The full-day option goes from 9 am until 6 pm, and is completely free for low-income families. To learn more, click here.
- The YMCA is is running facilitated learning centers at Miles Jones ES, Holton ES, and Huguenot HS for K-8th grade RPS students. The full-day option goes from 7:30 am until 6 pm, and is completely free for low-income families. To learn more, click here.
- There are also many other facilitated learning centers not housed in RPS schools across the city. To learn more, click here.
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RPS Love Store – Show your RPS Love and help us raise money for RPS families in need and local racial justice non-profits by ordering something today from the RPS Love Store!
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| Crisis Support – Please reach out if you need help.
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Important Links – I'll note in orange when there have been additions/updates so you you won't miss anything.
#ReopenWithLove Links
Local, State, and National Public Health Links
Local, State, and National Public Education Links
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