| I'm terribly saddened to share news of the passing of Mr. Carlos Jones, a beloved custodian at Elizabeth D. Redd ES. Mr. Jones was a remarkable man, known for his kindness, compassion, and warm smile. He will be dearly missed by all who knew him. On behalf of RPS, I extend our condolences to his family, friends, and the entire Redd community.
This Week's Updates:
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| New Hiring Incentives – Many thanks to the School Board for recently approving new hiring incentives. We're thrilled to now offer the following:
- $6,000 moving stipend for teachers currently living 50+ miles outside of Richmond
- $4,000 signing bonus for teachers with 2+ years experience
- $2,000 signing bonus for new teachers
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| New 2022-23 Calendar – This past Monday, the Board also approved a new 2022-23 calendar that was developed based on feedback from our students, teachers, support staff, and families. Most notably, it shaves two weeks off the end of the year – June 9 is now the last day – while sacrificing only one student day. To achieve this, the new 2022-23 calendar:
- Changes November 7 to a Wellness Day (RPS closed)
- Changes November 8 to a PD/Conference Day (no school for students)
- Changes November 21 to a Regular School Day
- Changes November 22 to a Regular School Day
- Changes January 2 to a Regular School Day
- Changes January 27 to a Student Half Day/Teacher Planning Half Day
- Changes February 3 to a Regular School Day
- Changes February 20 to a Regular School Day
- Changes March 9 to a Regular School Day
- Changes March 10 to a PD/Conference Day (no school for students)
- Changes April 10 to a Regular School Day
- Changes April 21 to a Regular School Day
Please note that we'll have the full, updated calendar on our website next week.
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| RPS Summer Fest 2022 – Our second annual Summer Fest is THIS Saturday, July 23, from 11 am - 3 pm, at George Wythe HS. We hope you'll join us for free food, games, music, a visit from the Lit Limo, and much more!
- RPS Shuttles - Need a ride? Head to a shuttle stop to get a lift.
- On-Site Hiring - Stop by our Talent Office table to learn about the incredible opportunities waiting for you at RPS and get hired on the spot.
- George Wythe Reimagined - Attend a George Wythe Reimagined presentation at 11:30 am or 1 pm. (The 1 pm session will be livestreamed in English and Spanish.)
- Technology Return - Return any RPS Chromebooks, chargers, or hot spots you still have.
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| New Principal – Please join me in congratulating Ms. Tarnee Hudon on being named the new principal of Patrick Henry School of Science and Arts!
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| Ms. Hudson believes that administrators drive change by being a part of the teaching and learning process while empowering teachers to be their best for students. Prior to being named Interim Principal at Patrick Henry School of Science & Arts (PHSSA), Ms. Hudson served as an assistant principal in RPS for 11 years as well as a lead teacher, coach, interventionist, and administrator in other Virginia school divisions. She holds a bachelor’s degree in sociology focusing on women’s studies from Randolph-Macon College, a master’s degree in education from the University of Phoenix, and is currently working on her doctoral degree in educational leadership.
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| School Bell Award Winner – Congratulations to Principal Powell from John B. Cary ES on receiving the School Bell Award from the Virginia Association of Elementary School Principals! This award recognizes outstanding leaders from across the Commonwealth who are transforming their school communities. Way to go, Principal Powell!
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Here are a few words from our wonderful partner: "The Market at 25th is extremely honored and humbled to be recognized by the Virginia School Board Association, but it is from an intentional commitment to servicing our community, and the work of incredible partners like the staff of the RPS East End Community Hub, the RPS Center for Families in Transition, the volunteers of the delivery program, and the hardworking coordinators at RPS that made helping so many students and families a success. Thank you to the real heroes that do this every day."
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| With great appreciation,
Jason
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- Shout-out to Dava Allen-Miller, Natasha Henderson, Duane Samuels, and Ashley Allen for an amazing summer school experience at Woodville Elementary School! They are a wonderful team and have created a phenomenal atmosphere of fun and learning for our students. They make it fun to be in school!!
- I want to say thank you to the Chimborazo families and staff that attended the Principal Meet and Greet Tuesday evening. It was wonderful to see, hear from, and learn about this historic East End community. Families and teachers asked great questions, provided helpful insight, and shared both successes and concerns. I am very excited to continue to learn from my new Chimborazo family! Special shout-out to Ms. Lighfoot, Mr. Green, and Ms. Gross for working from 7 am to 7 pm to support!!
- I’d like to shout-out the extraordinary driver of the Lit Limo, Lavonda! She is not only a skilled driver, but she is also an amazing people person. She is so good with all of the kids that come see us! And she literally keeps her cool on the hot, hot bus!!! She is such a pleasure to work with. RPS is lucky to have her!
- I’d like to shout-out Carmen and her mother for bringing us water and juice to the Lit Limo last week! It was super hot, and they were so sweet to think of us! And it was delicious! We appreciate the kindness!
- A huge shout-out to Mr. Alonzo Ford, private placement specialist in the Exceptional Education Department! Mr. Ford helped a school team in need with immediate support. His responsiveness and problem-solving were greatly appreciated. You rock, Mr. Ford!
- Thank you to Linda Owen, former School Board member and fellow librarian, for meeting the Lit Limo at Cardinal Elementary School today with three boxes of donated books!! Once a librarian, always a librarian!!!
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| Summer Meals – Now through August 3, we'll be providing free dine-in breakfast and lunch, Monday-Thursday, at eight locations. Meals may not be distributed or picked up. See the flyer below for more information and additional food options around Richmond.
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| RPS Preschool and Kindergarten Enrollment – RPS preschool and kindergarten enrollment is happening now! Enroll your 3 and 4-year-olds in our free, high-quality preschool program, and your 5-year-olds in kindergarten. Please also remember, if your student is currently in RPS preschool, they will still need to enroll in RPS kindergarten.
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| Important Links – Last updated on May 24, 2022.
RPS Links
COVID-19 Links
Crisis Support Links
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