| Friday, December 16, 2022
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Dear #RPSStrong Family,
Happy Friday and Happy Winter Break! Tonight's updates:
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| Winter Break Resources – To ensure all RPS families have the support they need over Winter Break, we've put together the flyers below with information about food distributions, mental health assistance, and family-friendly activities.
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| RPS Top Five Teachers – I'm thrilled to announce the five finalists for our 2023 RPS Teacher of the Year! Stay tuned for the Division Teacher of the Year announcement in January.
- Bernita Williams, School Counselor, Richmond Community HS
- Christal Corey, Science Teacher, Franklin Military Academy
- Robert Winslow, Music Teacher, William Fox ES
- Shari Hobson-Flowers, School Counselor, Ginter Park ES
- Tiana Addai-Mensah, Library Media Specialist, Mary Scott Preschool
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| Young Kings in Action – Congratulations to the Young Kings in Action program at Martin Luther King, Jr. MS for winning a $20,000 grant from the Ujima Foundation! These funds will help Young Kings expand its positive self-identity programming to more young men at MLK.
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| RPS Alumn and Author Visits Mary Munford – Author Aarenne Milton recently paid a visit to the classroom of her former teacher, Valerie Schwarz, at Mary Munford ES. Aarenne, who is now a teacher herself, has written and published two children's books, and has started her own publishing company, One in a Million Publishing, focused on authors of color. Congratulations on your success, Aarenne!
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| Logistical Note – Before signing off, I want to remind everyone that my next RPS Direct will come out on Monday, January 2, when we return to school.
I wish you all a peaceful, joyous, and safe Winter Break, filled with laughter, light, and love. Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Happy Kwanzaa, and Happy New Year!
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| With great appreciation,
Jason
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- I want to shout-out Lelia Bennett, Jennifer Blackwell, Victor Carias, Vernon Claytor, Jereisha Singh, Lakeytra Smith, and Jaymes Whitehead-Urquhart at George Wythe High School for their thoughtful, efficient, and student-focused collaboration to ensure students and their families receive the support they need as they transition to high school. Their passion and care they demonstrate for the students they serve is inspiring!
- Shout-out to Monica Murray and the entire JMHS family. JMHS embraces the true meaning of inclusion. RCEEA students are embraced, loved, and encouraged. During JM's Winter Celebration, an RCEEA student was featured in a dance solo while another had her artwork prominently displayed. So thank you to the "Pride of Northside," led by Ms. Monica Murray.
- I'd like to shout-out Mr. Beekman for putting together a lovely winter concert at Bellevue! It was so wonderful to see the students so invested in the performance, especially after not having a music teacher last year! It was a delightful evening!
- I'd also like to shout-out Ms. Bowman at Bellevue for always hustling so hard to make sure teachers at Bellevue feel appreciated! I hope she knows she's as appreciated as she makes us feel!
- I'd like to give a shout-out to the music team at Bellevue Elementary, Mr. Beekman, Mr. Lyles, and Ms. Hagood. They did an amazing job putting on our first Winter Concert since 2020!
- I did not want to let 2022 go without expressing my deepest gratitude to the administrative team at John Marshall High School! Principal Murray, AP Cheatham, AP Vernon, and Admin. Intern Smith lead with consistency, compassion, and, at times, a touch of comedy. I wish each of you the best of the holidays and well wishes for 2023.
- Ms. Nelson is a rockstar teacher! She has a loving and open classroom environment, and encourages students to grow in all areas. She is always willing to pivot and roll with the changes, and is an asset to her building and district as whole!
- Mr. Hayes and his classroom team have really grown and flourished together! He builds opportunities for all students to be successful and builds a positive connection with all students he encounters. He always takes time to enjoy all of the moments in the day with his students whether it is taking a minute to breathe, laughing and encouraging fun, or celebrating a milestone of growth. RPS is lucky to have him in the classroom.
- Ms. Wilkins and Ms. Hutchinson are a strong dynamic duo! They balance each other out, and are so in sync, they could probably complete each other's sentences. They both take time to build relationships and support all students and staff in their building. Students are flourishing because of all the hard work and dedication Ms. Wilkins and Ms. Hutchinson put in together. They are the perfect example of teaching with love!
- Ms. McCabe and her classroom team have built a strong community environment focused on mindfulness and growth. She has many opportunities for the students to engage in learning in and out of the classroom, and the students are thriving! Her classroom environment is very special, and the students and school are lucky to have such a great example of collaboration!
- A huge shout-out to Mrs. DeYoung and Ms. Cunningham, the art teacher and music teacher at Miles Jones ES, for putting on an incredible Winter Wonderland concert to showcase our students' artistic and musical talents!!! We had a huge turnout from families and it was a fabulous success all thanks to the hard work and extra hours these two ladies put into making this event happen. Way to go, ladies!!! Job well done!!!
- This is a huge, huge shout out to Mr. Robert Gilstrap and the admin staff, Dr. Hines, Mr. Massa, and Mr. Hawes, at Huguenot High School. Shout out also to Ms. J. Moultry, Tiffany Garland, Mary Bonner, Harshawn Green, Paris Williams, Deanna Jenkins, Tara Pyciak, Pam Ragin, Mr. Murray, Charlotte Martin, Deborah Clark, Sgt. Major Branch, Ms. Glover, Mrs. Scott, Ms. Harris, Ms. Reed, Mr. Christmas, Ms. Harrison, Mrs. Culbert-Wells, Mrs. Hardy, Ms. Owens, Ms. C. Hall, Chris James, and Raymond Epps. They made my short stay pleasurable and enlightening. A school full of shining stars! May the entire staff and all students have a wonderful and enjoyable holiday and a promising and fulfilling new year!
- Extending a heartfelt gratitude and loads of appreciation to our three amazing LIEP Con Ganas teachers who are your true unsung heroes and rockstars on the ground. Mrs. Orellana, Mrs. Dominguez, and Mrs. Litwa are unstoppable love and support machines who never run out of fuel when it comes to supporting our ELs, and they never rest until they see their students on stage at Huguenot and George Wythe graduations. Our 24 Con Ganas graduates are the result of the hard work of these teachers, and we love them endlessly for making our students' dreams come true. In my almost 25 years in public education locally and globally, I have not seen this level of love and dedication from teachers. We are truly blessed to have them at RPS!
- Extending my sincere thanks, love, and appreciation to Sidney Gunter who never misses a beat in supporting the LIEP team, specially when it comes to Con Ganas and Newcomers. Sidney works around the clock to ensure all members of the LIEP team receive support and are well-taken care of.
- I'd like to thank everyone who helped with the book fair this week at T.C. Boushall Middle School, especially Ms. Parsons and Ms. Brown! Good job, good job!!
- I'd like to shout-out Ms. Olivia Jackson, dance teacher at T.C. Boushall Middle School, for organizing a field trip to see a special performance of the Nutcracker from the Richmond Ballet! Our scholars learned so much and the dancers were amazing!
- I'd like to acknowledge Mr. Derwood and Ms. Raven, NextUp site coordinators at T.C. Boushall Middle School, for all that they do for our scholars. I would especially like to congratulate them on an amazing end of session showcase! We are extremely grateful for all of your hard work!
- I'd like to shout-out Ms. Carver, teacher of many things at T.C. Boushall Middle School, for making things happen! I know that she has super secret magical powers and that she must not ever sleep!!! I'd also like to thank her husband and children, not only for sharing her with us, but for supporting her in all her crazy endeavors!! We love you, Carver Family!!!
- I'd like to shout-out the fine arts department at T.C. Boushall Middle School for their production of the Winter Festival!!! For Mr. Holloway and his amazing play, The Revenge of the Snow Queen. For Ms. Fitch and her orchestra and choir!! For Mr. Carter and his band!!! For Mrs. Himmelman and her artists. And for Ms. Jackson and her dancers!! We have a lot of talent here at T.C. Boushall Middle School! #EagleExcellence
- The expanded core team at Henderson Middle School would like to send two huge shout-outs to their phenomenal colleagues, Mr. Fuller, the band and orchestra teacher, and Ms. Anderson, the dance teacher. They worked collaboratively to create a winter performance that positively showcases our Warrior students! We are blessed to have them at Henderson Middle School and look forward to future performances.
- A merry shout-out to Southampton Elementary School music teacher, Mr. Mansaray, and second grade teacher, Ms. Tisone. This week, under Mr. Mansaray's direction, second graders performed a musical and it was phenomenal! His patience, expertise, and love for both his students and music is well-respected and appreciated. Ms. Tisone, Southampton second grade teacher, is thoughtful, supportive, and receptive to the needs of her students (and parents). Thank you, Ms. Tisone, for everything you do!
- A huge shout-out goes to Angela Golden at J.B. Fisher Elementary School. This is my first year at the elementary level here at J.B. Fisher and I was having a hard time maneuvering my way through Eureka Math and learning the different strategies that correlate with what the students are learning. She took the time to show me what visuals would work with a struggling student. Today, I showed that student what was recommended and she breezed her way through the assignment. I couldn't have done it without Mrs. Golden's guidance. So blessed to call her an amazing colleague who goes above and beyond to assist me when needed.
- I'd like to shout-out Mr. David Mistler (history teacher), Ms. Beth Hosick (science teacher), Ms. Kim Jones (English teacher), Ms. Marshe Copeland (exceptional education teacher), Mr. Paul Laurenz (CTE teacher), Ms. Kieasha King (math interventionist), Mr. Michael Miles (PE teacher), and Ms. Alicia Winning (math teacher and RVA Teacher of the Year) at RVA for their commitment to bringing learning to life by creating classroom opportunities in our community for our virtual 6th, 7th, and 8th grade Owl scholars! Our Owls ventured to the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts for a day of scavenger hunts, exploration, and lots of educational fun and it is because of the commitment of teachers like you! Hoot Hoot!!!
- I would like to shout-out Mrs. Sandra Shearin, our PTA secretary at Broad Rock. She goes beyond her specified duties as secretary. She purchased all of the snacks and drinks for our winter program on this rainy day. Thank you, Mrs. Shearin, for all you do for our school.
- I would like to shout-out to Dr. Chantae Wright, Adam Scott, Tyler Chapman, and our admin subs, Dr. Henry and Ms. Smith, who have worked tirelessly to bring order and keep joy at the center of learning at Binford while Mrs. Rickey is on leave. And shout-out to our PTA which has been present in the building assisting with the Festive Friday celebrations this month.
- Our family would like to give a huge shout-out to Ms. Wilson, second grade teacher at Linwood Holton! Ms. Wilson is a creative and gifted teacher who supports and empowers her students. Prior to Thanksgiving break she created a special presentation, “15 Reasons Why Ms. Wilson is Thankful this Year,” with a personalized slide for each student highlighting the things she appreciates about them. It was a lovely tribute to her students and a sweet way for families to learn more about their child’s classmates. Thank you for creating such a special classroom community, Ms. Wilson!
- Holton ES put on a fantastic winter concert with over 90 kids participating in choir. We appreciate the dedication to music education and keeping students happy and engaged.
- Huge shout-out to Ms. Cunningham, Mrs. Ashley, and Mrs. DeYoung at Miles Jones for putting on an amazing Winter Wonderland show. The gym was packed and the kids did an amazing job singing, displaying their sign language skills, and presenting artwork. You ladies are amazing! Thanks to everyone who supported our school!
- Thank you to Ernestine Mills at Mary Scott Preschool for always assisting with everything that needs to be done around the school. You are such an asset to our school.
- Thank you to Mr. Mauch for a wonderful winter concert at Chimborazo Elementary School! The program highlighted the many talents of our students, from singing to playing bucket drums. We are so lucky to have a talented music teacher working with students daily!
- Thank you to the Chimborazo PTA for all their hard work during the month of December! In just 12 days this month, the PTA has made sure the wellness room was full of treats, snacks, and drinks for teachers, provided daily prizes for staff holiday games, served complimentary snacks and hot cocoa at the winter concert, helped make our holiday staff party possible, planned and implemented a community holiday market, created and sold cookie boxes to the school community, decorated the office for the holidays, and made our faculty and staff feel so loved during this extra busy time of year. Thank you for everything you do for the Chimborazo community – it is greatly appreciated!
- I would like to shout-out to all of the River City Red Tails for their school spirit and contributions towards a Fabulous Fall 2022. The events and activities that made this semester memorable will be part of our students' fondest memories of RCMS. Special shout-out to our amazing APs, Blue, Estrada, and Jamison; our dynamic deans, Gallo, Momiroska, and Weisser; our compassionate counselors, Alexander, Hines, Lee, McClendon, and Woodson; our on-point office associates, Canas, Lizardo, Parker, Ricks, and Smith; our department leads, McFarland, Nelson, Hussain, Finney, Ahmed, Layne, Park, and Dennis; our super SILs, Liggans and Wyche; our caring CSAs, Lovett, Barrett, Mejia, Dillard, Henderson, and Mason; our cooking cafeteria staff, led by Ms. Washington; our courageous custodial staff, Thompson, Cox, McClendon, Jordan, and Henderson; our confident coaches, J. Smith, Paulson, Evans, A. Johnson, Espinal, Siegel, Clarke, D. Brown, Evangelista, and Diouf; our terrific teachers, all 100; and our stellar support staff, Diouf, Edmonds, Lawson, Raynor, Pritham Singh, Gammon, Vanderbeek, Curtis, Woody, E. Williams, Hayes, C. Wood, T. Brown, Clarke, and Dr. Turkson.
- Shout-out to the entire Westover Hills Elementary School Step Team and their coaches for crushing it during the Winter Holiday Program on Wednesday night! What an awesome performance. And it's so exciting to see so many students participating in the WHES Step Team this year! It keeps getting bigger and better!
- Shout-out to Coach G at Westover Hills Elementary School for spreading holiday spirit as Buddy the Elf before, during, and after the Winter Holiday Program on Wednesday.
- Shout-out to Ms. Clark at Westover Hills Elementary School for graciously and enthusiastically leading her new kindergarten class this month!
- Shout-out to the kindergarten squad at Westover Hills Elementary School for leading with love and welcoming so many bright, young, and kind students to the school this year. Our kindergarteners are always so excited to go to school every day and learn something new with their teachers and friends.
- Shout-out to the teachers and parent volunteers at Westover Hills Elementary School for leading several new after school student clubs in 2023. Go, Beavers!
- I would like to give a huge shout-out to everyone at Westover Hills who teamed up to put on an amazing winter holiday program this week featuring students in orchestra, band, step team, choir, drumline, and drama enrichment! Ms. Gentry, Ms. Csallner, Mr. Thompson, Mrs. Mckeithan, Ms. Hoye, Ms. El Koubi, Ms. Mueller, Mr. Byrd, Coach Galloway, and many others did incredible work as usual with the students. Beaver Booser parent volunteer Will Chapman brought his A-game, as always, to run the A/V system. Incredible work everyone!
- Big shout-out of appreciation to Kelly Salinas, school social worker, who is dedicated to improving and celebrating students' daily school attendance and has initiated a fun "Find the Snowman" incentive initiative to engage children each morning at Overby Sheppard. Thanks for filling our SEL and attendance buckets, Kelly!!!
- Thank you to Mr. Gaskins and Mr. D and anyone else who helped to keep everyone safely crossing the street with all of the detour traffic that goes right by Holton at drop off and pickup from the AP Hill removal this week!
- I would like to shout-out Cassandra Bell for all of her efforts to make sure her coaches and AAs are appreciated. Ms. Bell works hard to ensure the hard work put in by her math team is honored and recognized. Thanks for being such a tremendous cheerleader for your team!
- A special thanks to the hard work of Mr. Mason who orchestrated a beautiful and fun holiday concert at Richmond Community High School on Wednesday. The kids played so well and the crowd was participating and having fun. I was proud my son is part of such a wonderful program and high school community! Congrats on a successful night!
- I would like to shout-out the 4th graders at Southampton Elementary for meeting the challenge of performing 200 acts of kindness while in school during the month of December!!! The students were eager to help their peers, teachers and staff alike. It was such a great way to teach them that there is always something positive around us if we just take the time to observe. The greatest highlight of each day was hearing the students share how kind someone else was to them, which is a huge acknowledgement for students in this age range. Great job, Tigers!!! (See attached image of the kindness slips.)
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| Lit Limo Winter Schedule – Beginning Monday, January 2, the Lit Limo will be back on the road delivering books to children across RVA! Check out the new schedule below.
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| Yale National Initiative Open House – The Yale National Initiative will hold an open house for interested teachers on Thursday, January 5, from 5-6 pm, at Mary Munford ES. To register for the open house, use the QR code on the flyer below. Applications are due by 5 pm on Wednesday, January 18. For more information, visit the Richmond Teacher Fellows website or email Valerie Schwarz at vschwarz@rvaschools.net.
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| Citywide Writing Competition – All RPS students are invited to enter the community-led Game Changer writing competition, with prizes up to $500! Poems, essays, and short stories from all grade levels will be accepted. The contest is limited to the first 250 participants, and entries must be submitted by Wednesday, February 1. See the flyers below for details.
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| Open Enrollment Applications – The application window to apply for out-of-zone schools via the Open Enrollment lottery is open through February 1 via the Enroll RPS Portal. This is your opportunity to apply for up to three schools outside of your "zoned school," including Richmond Virtual Academy. (Reminder: This is different from specialty school applications for schools like FMA or Community. That application window closed yesterday.)
A few important notes:
- Families will have until 4:30 pm on February 1, 2023, to submit open enrollment applications.
- We unfortunately cannot accept late applications for any reason. Please plan accordingly.
- As long as your application is submitted before the deadline, the timing of your submission will have no impact on the outcome.
- If you have additional questions, please email us at enrollrps@rvaschools.net.
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| Important Links – Last updated on November 14, 2022.
RPS Links
COVID-19 Links
Crisis Support Links
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