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Dear #RPSStrong Family,
Tonight's updates:
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| School Board Meeting – The School Board will hold an in-person public hearing and budget work session tonight at 6 pm at MLK MS. You can watch the livestream of the meeting in English or Spanish. Hope to see you there!
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| Black History Month Reels – Enormous gratitude to John Marshall HS senior Xavion Hill for sharing his achievements, hopes, and dreams with us in his story Friday. Today's story comes to us from David Harvey, assistant coach for the John Marshall HS Boys Basketball Team. Coach Harvey sits down to share how it feels to be a part of history – coaching the #2 team in the nation!
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| Black History Month Book Share – In honor of our theme, Celebrating Black History Every Day, some of our library media specialists will be sharing their favorite books celebrating Black history and culture. Today, Mrs. Tiana Addai-Mensah, who serves our five preschools, recommends The Colors of Us by Karen Katz. "This book highlights a positive and affirming look at skin color. Seven-year-old Lena is going to paint a picture of herself and learns that brown comes in many different shades."
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| 2022 Most Outstanding Crossing Guards – Ms. Dorothy Battle, school crossing guard at Linwood Holton ES, is one of six crossing guards from across the state to receive the 2022 Most Outstanding Crossing Guard Award! Celebrating her 20th year on the job (!), families look forward to seeing Ms. Battle every day. Those who nominated her shared how grateful they are for her ability to manage a dangerous intersection and describe her as "our superhero." Congratulations, Ms. Battle, and thank you for continuing to serve the RPS community with love.
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| National School Counseling Week – Today, we're thrilled to kick off National School Counseling Week by recognizing all the school counselors across RPS who are helping students dream big. Let's shower them with shout-outs!
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| With great appreciation,
Jason
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- I want to give a shout-out to Ms. Demet of LHES for assigning such great research projects for my 4th grader. Their recent project was such a great way to combine research, writing, science, and art, and the kids also gave presentations. What a wonderful way to integrate so much learning!
- Shout-out to Ms. Forshay at Linwood Holton Elementary School. She creates a fun and safe space for her kindergarten students to learn. Our son loves her and loves going to school.
- I would like to shout-out Ms. Bibby and Ms. Campbell for always rocking the car line at Linwood Holton. They put a smile on our faces and always show lots of love to our dog, Groot! Thank you for all that you do!
- I'd like to shout-out Mr. Lopez, office associate at T.C. Boushall Middle School, on his birthday! He is there for us every day, welcoming us to work and reminding us (the whole school community!) to make good choices! He makes such a positive impact on our staff and scholars every single day! His smile is contagious and if his heart was any bigger he'd need another desk!!! Thank you for being you, Mr. Lopez – you make the world a better place!
- Shout-out to Corey Nelson in technology services for helping me with an issue that has gone unsolved for the entire school year. Thanks, Corey! Through your expertise and diligence, you have made my work a little easier – much appreciated!
- Shout-out to my daughter's wonderful teacher, Ms. Forshay! My kindergartener has had lots of ups and downs in her first year, but Ms. Forshay is a constant light in the eyes of my family. She is upbeat, patient, kind, and diligent! My daughter absolutely adores her and we are so thankful to have her!
- Mrs. Saunders, 1st grade teacher at Holton Elementary, is amazing! Does she ever stop smiling with the students in her class? It's so great and is contagious with her students. She is full of joy and keeps all of the little learners engaged. Most recently, 100% of her class aced their weekly spelling quiz and had a dance party. They rocked it. Thank you, Mrs. Saunders!!
- Shout-out to Ms. DeCamps, 3rd grade teacher at Holton ES! Ms. DeCamps is so kind, nurturing, and consistent with all of the children, which has been so nice for all of the SOL testing these kiddos are getting used to. She encourages them to always do their very best, but also not to be too stressed about it. There's a positive vibe running in her classroom. Thank you, Ms. DeCamps!
- I want to make sure the administrative team at George Wythe knows how appreciated they are. They're on top of it – swiftly taking care of issues and maintaining open communication. That goes a long way in my book! We talk about building relationships with the students, but the GWHS admin team is doing a great job building relationships with the faculty as well!!
- I would like to give a very thankful shout-out to Ms. Hoye and Ms. Green at Westover Hills Elementary. They are so caring, passionate, and patient. My child is thriving with their amazing support! Thank you!
- A big shout-out to Principal Dabney of MLK, Jr. Middle School. Ms. Dabney is a true leader who does not mind helping out around the building in any way. For the past few days, Principal Dabney has been an office associate without any hesitation. What might seem small to some is big to us. Thanks, Principal Dabney, for all you do!
- I would like to send a huge shout-out to Mrs. Lisa Garcia, STC for Thomas Jefferson High School. Mrs. Garcia took on the job as full-time STC and graduation coach at TJ this year. With all of the responsibilities of being an STC, she maintains a positive and well-organized testing process within TJ. Mrs. Garcia, if you have not been told how much you are appreciated, I would like to do it now. "We appreciate you!"
- Shout-out to Mr. Roberts and Mr. Gunter at Carver Elementary! I had the chance to observe a stellar math class that included high levels of student engagement and a super cool clapping routine to remember the steps of adding unlike fractions. You are both excellent additions to the Carver family!
- Thank you, Ms. Clayton, at Carver Elementary! You have been so willing to step up and take on additional responsibilities within the building to support all learners. Thank you for all you do!
- Shout-out to Ms. Craig at Cary Elementary! She has done a wonderful job supporting her students and developing individualized supports that truly meet her students where they are. She is patient, professional, and maintains high expectations for all of her students. Keep up the amazing work!
- Shout-out to Ms. Davis, Ms. Smith, and Ms. Flowers at Blackwell Elementary School. Thank you for hearing us and showing up. We are sparking excellence in our students!
- Shout-out to Ms. Tarnee’ Hudson who goes above and beyond each day to support our scholars. We cannot thank her enough for the impact she makes every day at PHSSA.
- I'd like to shout-out the boys basketball team at T.C. Boushall Middle School! They had an amazing season and we are so proud of them! They worked hard and together, and that work paid off! Kudos to our cheerleaders, pep squad, and pep band for encouraging them all season! And many thanks to our coaching staff, Mr. Morgan, Mr. Roots, Ms. Thomas, Ms. Reynolds, and our athletic director, Ms. Carver! Good job, good job!
- I want to shout-out Mr. Gaskins, 5th grade teacher at Linwood Holton. He's really been doing an awesome job helping my student expand his reading horizons and interests. In addition to the books that are part of the curriculum, my son has loved the novels Mr. Gaskin reads aloud in the morning, and was super excited to show me the independent reading book Mr. Gaskin recommended. Thank you, Mr. G!
- Shout-out to Ms. Easter at Holton. She does the greatest art lessons with her students. Through her engaging lessons, her students are not only learning how to make art, but how to observe, think, and plan. Thank you, Ms. Easter!
- I want to give a shout-out to Mr. Gaskin of LHES, who does a wonderful job of engaging his students in learning – and he even reaches out if my son misses school to check in with him. It's obvious how much he cares about his students – and they care about him, too!
- I'd like to shout-out Dr. Ramsey – coordinator for K-12 athletics, health & PE, driver education – for all of her work with the Teacher Store! I'd like to recognize that it is a big job and she does it cheerfully and with such dedication! We are grateful for all you do to keep teachers happy, Dr. Ramsey!!!
- Shout-out to Chris Dunlap, one of Ginter Park's amazing custodians, for always being available and ready to assist. He has a kind and gentle spirit. The scholars love him and the staff respect and appreciate him. Thanks, Chris, for all that you do to keep our school clean and safe!
- Shout-out to Principal Moore at Barack Obama Elementary for being compassionate and supportive with staff when family issues sometimes take precedence. She always takes good care of her staff and has an open door policy making sure everyone knows she's available to them. She leads with love every day!
- Major kudos to Ms. Jordan, an IA at Maymont Preschool, who goes above and beyond to ensure our mini peacocks have a successful and productive learning day. We see you, Ms. Jordan – you are appreciated!
- I want to shout-out Mr. Gunter at Carver Elementary. He joined us right before winter break and you’d think he has been here for years. He’s willing to jump in and help anywhere he's needed, and is a great addition to our school.
- Cardinal Elementary students are seeing more clearly now that the eyeglasses have arrived! We have some seriously cute kids with new specs. Thanks to those responsible!
- Missy Corrada of Cardinal Elementary was just recognized as teacher of the month! She is a powerhouse of care, ideas, hard work, and energy! She is reliable, responsible, and she cares for her class with amazing dedication! She is a a grade level chair and really keeps us on top of everything!
- I want to shout-out Mr. Craig at Amelia Street School. Mr. Craig goes above and beyond for his students. He always communicates with parents on student progress and he brightens my child's day when he comes to school. Thank you for all you do!
- Thank you, school counselors, Ms. Henson and Ms. Short, for your hard work at RAS – meeting with our seniors and reaching out to support students. The ISAEP team, Mr. Green and Mrs. Moore, are improving our orientations with our comprehensive schools and improving post-secondary plans for our students. Thank you, RPS family liaison Ms. Hamlette, who took Principal Trotter on a home visit to complete orientation for a new student enrolling at RAS. Thank you, Ms. Jewettte with Spartan Academy, for your hard work over the past few weeks with SOL testing, scheduling, and meeting with teachers.
- I would like to recognize Erin Thompson and Clarence Bland for developing RCEEA's newest community-based vocational experiences. As RCEEA's job coaches, they provide direct support for learning meaningful vocational and social skills. RCEEA added the following partners: Mercy Mall of VA, Friends of Bellemeade, Community Toolbank, Children's Museum of Richmond, and Feedmore. Partnering with these community-minded organizations allows RCEEA students to give back to others.
- Huge kudos to Mr. Lucas Hostetter, director of enrollment services, for providing 5-star customer service during my son's transition from virtual learning to in-person school, with lightning fast speed. Ms. Mechelle Mayo, department chair of school counseling at Lucille Brown Middle School, eased my worries during a whirlwind of a week while getting my 7th grader familiar with his new school home. Thank you so much for helping our family get things back to the "new" normal.
- I would like to shout-out First Class Drill SGT Guishard. You embody what FMA stands for. You have made a difference not only in the students, but also the staff. You are such an inspiration and I know, no matter what you do or where you do it, it will be done with excellence. I am so glad to call you a lifelong friend.
- I would like to give a huge shout-out to Ms. Christal Corey – as she is not only a phenomenal educator, she is also a great person and friend. She embodies what I would call an all-around great human being. Keep doing what you are doing. You make a difference!
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| Black History Tour – Make sure to check out the 2023 Black History Tour presented by the Cary ES PTA! The self-guided tour includes historically significant landmarks, museums, art, and Black-owned businesses across Richmond. See flyers below for details.
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| FY24 Budget – See below for details about our FY24 budget work sessions and public hearing.
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| Teacher Job Fair Event Registration – Registration is now open for our upcoming teacher job fair! If you or someone you know is interested in joining the RPS team, join us on Saturday, February 11, from 9 am - 1 pm, at Martin Luther King, Jr. MS. To register, just scan the QR code below with your phone's camera.
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| Important Links – Last updated on November 14, 2022.
RPS Links
COVID-19 Links
Crisis Support Links
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