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| Dear #RPSStrong Family,
Amidst all the anxiety of the current moment, here are four bits of inspiration and joy to take you into the weekend!
- Corey Stuckey, 12th grader at George Wythe HS, was recently featured in the Richmond Free Press for co-founding 381 Movement, a racial justice non-profit. I've had the great pleasure of getting to know Corey over the last couple of years through my High School Student Council. He's brilliant, insightful, and passionate about social justice. I look forward to casting my vote for him one day.
- Remember the beautiful mural at 3rd and Broad that I shared pictures of a couple of weeks ago? Well, it's now complete and the official unveiling is tonight. Kudos to Ta'Dreama McBride, 9th grader at Open HS, who helped design and create this beautiful work of art. Called "Freedom Constellations: Dreaming of a World Without Youth Prisons," it's interactive and includes an embedded video. Check it out!
- This past Saturday, staff members from Overby-Sheppard ES were busy picking up hand-made desks from Lowe’s for their students. The desks were designed by Mr. Charles Barker, a community partner, and made by employees at Lowe’s. Each desk can be folded up and stored when not in use, which is especially helpful for small spaces.
- Last week, 3rd graders across RPS started their embryology unit. In partnership with 4-H/Urban Agriculture, every day our students check a webcam of an incubator full of chicken eggs at Broad Rock ES. They record the temperature and humidity, and make qualitative observations. The Master of Cer-egg-monies (!), Ms. Bowers, a teacher at Broad Rock ES, records herself candling the eggs, allowing students to learn about the development of the chicks. By the way, they're predicted to hatch on November 16!
I wish you a peaceful, restful, and joyous weekend.
With great appreciation,
Jason
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- This shout out goes out to the entire RPS system. This is not an easy time but you are all doing an awesome job everyday trying to meet the needs of parents, students, staff and others. I can't thank you enough. Hats off to RPS. Many thanks and love to everyone for their support during this critical time.
- Huge shout-out to Ms. Bauman at Linwood Holton Elementary School, who along with doing a great job of managing online learning, is providing 5th graders a safe and information-rich space to process the current elections.
- I want to shout out the art teacher at G.H. Reid, Ms. Hertel. She puts together amazing synchronous and asynchronous lessons for our kids and they love them. Her lessons are interactive and beautiful. She also records her voice and videotapes herself for the kids, which they love! We appreciate all of your hard work, Ms. Hertel!
- I would like to recognize the custodial staff at Southampton and all of the schools that served as polling stations on November 3rd. It was a long day, but they were there at 5 a.m. to help us get set up, and at 8:30 p.m. to close for the night. Thank you for being part of our democratic process.
- I am blessed to work with one of the best Family Service Workers ever, Suzanne Rackley at Mary Scott. We work together to assist our families when they need help. If a parent contacts me over the weekend or at night with a concern or problem, I can text Ms. Rackley and she gets right back to me. She puts in 110% every day.
- I would love to shout out the best Family Services Worker ever, Suzanne Rackley! I've had the pleasure of working with her for a few years and she is just amazing (please don't ever retire!) We work together as a team to provide assistance and support to our students. Ms. Rackley goes above and beyond to help and I am just so thankful to have her on our team! Thank you for all you do, Ms. Rackley!
- Shout out to the Westover Hills Elementary School teachers and staff! You love our kids so well. Thank you for always going above and beyond to support the families and students. Your extra effort is noticed. Even in this virtual environment, my child feels connected to her school and knows that she belongs and is valued.
- We are especially thankful for my daughter's 1st grade teacher, Mrs. LeNoir. She clearly cares about the success of all of her students and does an incredible job communicating plans and expectations with both students and their parents. I appreciate knowing how to support my child in the virtual classroom experience. My daughter is growing, learning, and thriving in her class. Thank you, Mrs. LeNoir!
- I would like to give a major shout out to the 6th Grade STEM Team at Henderson Middle School, led by Assistant Principal Ms. Sheanna McCloud and 6th Grade Department Chair Mrs. Tracy Beckford. The team did an incredible job of coming together to coordinate their virtual Parent-Teacher Conferences! The team worked together to customize schedules to support over 20 family meetings. They are an incredibly skilled team that exemplify teamwork and they adjust quickly to any situation.
- We would like to give a major shout out to Mrs. Jacquelyn White, school social worker at Henderson Middle School. Mrs. White has been absolutely incredible since coming on board. She regularly makes homes visits to deliver student kits and check on our students. We are blessed to have her as part of our Warrior Family!
- I would like to shout out Ms. Hertel, our art teacher. She has always had really good lessons, and being virtual hasn't stopped her. She has a new baby (born in March) at home so I know she's busy, but her lessons are so engaging and fun. This week she had a virtual field trip where she took a walk with her dog to collect leaves. We just really love her!
- I would like to give a shoutout to Damion Coleman from Technology Services for troubleshooting with a family. With his assistance, the family was able to finally access Google Meet sessions with the teacher. Way to go, Damion!
- Shoutout to the entire team of Instructional Technology Resource Teachers led by Dr. Currie. Thank you for your knowledge, patience, and expertise during this time. Your commitment and hard work do not go unnoticed!
- I would like to give a shout out to Ebonee Belcher, vice principal at Elizabeth Redd Elementary. She listened thoughtfully and carefully when I voiced concerns with my daughter. She made a quick resolution, was very understanding, and willing to help. My daughter is much happier with school now.
- I would like to give a shout out to the following individuals at Cary ES for helping with the successful launch of our first Virtual Fall Festival last night: Ashley Bland (ITRT), Mr. Harvey, Ms. McKinney, Dr. Holland, Ms. Fernandez, Mrs.Harris, and Mrs. Debbie Powers. I would also like to give a huge shoutout to all the teachers for creating fun and engaging activities. I would also like to give a huge shoutout to Dr. Holland for assisting with data and supporting teachers. Shoutout to the entire Cary team! You ALL ROCK!
- I wanted to send a special shout-out to Ms. Conolly, who teaches second grade at Patrick Henry. We can't say enough about the effort Ms. Conolly puts into the students' social emotional learning. I work most days now at the kitchen table, which is in the same room as my daughter's desk. This week, I was moved to tears by the students' sharing and Ms. Conolly's kindness and compassion toward them during check-ins. Despite this virtual, topsy-turvy world, the work she is doing is powerful (perhaps even more so). We're so grateful, in this year especially, that she starts the days with time for centering or quiet reflection and for the days when she makes time and a safe space for them to consider and talk about their feelings. We know that our second grade superheroes are in such good hands with her, and we wanted to let you know that.
- We would like to shout out Damone Harris. He goes above and beyond to help the staff at Fairfield Court ES. He made a staff member VERY HAPPY today! Sometimes it's the little things that mean so much. Damone is always willing to circle back around and make sure we are okay! EAGLE PRIDE! We would also like to shout out Meredith Hill for going above & beyond to help us get positions filled. She is an amazing thought partner to the admin team and is willing to give us advice as we "Reach and Teach Each and Every Student" at FCES! #MissionPossible. Shout out to the Attendance Team at Fairfield Court for working overtime to reach every student! Hats off to: Natasha Henderson, Nsombi Morrison, Shy Hicks, Siohban Williams, Marquis Davis, Bridget Faison, Sgt. Gore, and Mitez Alexander. Thank you, Harry Hughes, for helping with the Panorama Survey for teachers at FCES who did not have the link! We appreciate you!
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| Family Academy – We're very excited to launch our fall Family Academy which features live, virtual courses as well as pre-recorded videos, to help our families navigate RPS. Topics include: how to apply to specialty schools, how to support your students during virtual instruction, how to troubleshoot technology issues, and how to maintain health and wellness amidst the pandemic.
On that last topic, check out these three courses:
- Work Up a Sweat! - Come sweat with Fit4Kids in this 30-minute family friendly workout! Every age and skill is welcome. Exercise equipment and resources will be provided in advance. The first class is on November 12 at 6 pm.
- Breathe, Move, and Sit! - Join us for three mini-sessions about youth-centered mindfulness practices to relieve stress and improve focus. This course is led by Ashley Williams, the Mindfulness Director at Martin Luther King, Jr. Middle School, and starts on November 10 at 6 pm.
- Attitudes of Gratitude - Participate in a Community Circle and learn how this unique experience is helping RPS students learn and connect with one another every day. Families will also learn ways to help one another during virtual learning using the concept of G.R.A.C.E. (grace, responsibility, advocacy, communication, engagement). The first class is on November 11 at 6 pm.
Check out our Family Academy website for more information and to register for one of our upcoming courses. The first 150 families to register will receive a Family Academy Pack filled with activities and resources. One family will also be selected to win an iPad!
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| Community Hubs – Calling all RPS community partners! You're invited to participate in our upcoming virtual launch events for our new Community Hubs. Each of the three regional Community Hubs will have its own virtual launch. If your organization serves more than one region, you're welcome to participate in more than one event. Please RSVP using the links below.
- East End Hub: Tuesday, November 17, 10 - 11 am - Register here!
- Northside/West End Hub: Wednesday, November 18, 3 - 4 pm - Register here!
- Southside Hub: Thursday, November 19, 11 am - 12 pm - Register here!
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| Updated Lit Limo Schedule – The Lit Limo is back on the road with new Saturday stops, starting TOMORROW at 12 pm at the Calhoun Center in Gilpin Court (436 Calhoun Street). The updated weekly schedule is below. We hope you stop by for a book or two!
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| Emergency Childcare Centers – If you need childcare for your RPS students, please make sure to register below!
- The YMCA is offering childcare at Miles Jones ES, Holton ES, and Huguenot HS (Huguenot is scheduled to open 11-30). For more information, click here.
- The Peter Paul Development Center is offering childcare at MLK MS. For more information, click here.
- There are also a number of community-based childcare centers (not housed in RPS schools) across the city. For more information, click here.
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| Open Enrollment – We are now accepting applications for out-of-zone schools, specialty schools, and Governor's Schools for the 2021-22 school year. Please note that the deadline is December 1.
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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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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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