Tuesday, February 7, 2023
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| Before diving in tonight, I wanted to take a moment to honor the memory of the more than 7,000 people who lost their their lives in the earthquake early yesterday in Turkey. Thousands more – including an untold number of children – are now homeless, completely exposed at a time of year when temperatures in that part of Turkey regularly drop below freezing.
UNICEF is preparing to support the humanitarian response with an initial focus on ensuring children and families have access to safe drinking water and sanitation services – critical for preventing illness in the early days of a crisis. Should you be so moved, please consider donating to UNICEF's crisis response efforts. Thank you.
Tonight's updates:
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| February Student Representative – I'd like to send a huge thank you to our February student representative to the School Board, Jaheem Hewlett of Franklin Military Academy, for sharing his thoughtful reflections with us during last night's Board meeting. Jaheem is a Brigade Commander, serves on the FMA color guard and honor guard, and is part of my High School Student Advisory Council. He participates in the Army JROTC, band, and choir, and he enjoys learning about different cultures and languages. Upon graduation, Jaheem plans to pursue a four-year degree, majoring in the study of foreign languages. He also plans to continue participating in the ROTC program at the college level. Thanks again, Jaheem!
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| Black History Month Reels – Enormous gratitude to Coach David Harvey for sharing his thoughts on coaching with the history-making JM Boys Basketball Team – #2 in the nation! Today's story comes to us from Armstrong HS teacher Mr. Scott, grandson of NASCAR's first black team owner and driver, Wendell Scott.
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| RTR School Leader Residency – The RTR teacher residency program will hold a virtual information session tomorrow, February 8, at 7 pm, for educators interested in pursuing school leadership through the School Leader Residency program. To attend the session, just scan the QR code below with your phone's camera.
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| Teacher Job Fair Event – Join us at Martin Luther King, Jr. MS on Saturday, February 11, from 9 am - 1 pm, for our teacher job fair! To register, just scan the QR code below.
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| Division Spelling Bee – Congratulations to our outstanding orthographic orator, Paxson Wijesooriya from Franklin Military Academy, our 2023 Division Spelling Bee Champion! And kudos to the runner up from Henderson MS, a young man named Ezra Kamras :). We're so proud of you both!
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| With great appreciation,
Jason
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- Shout-out to acting Principal Mr. Charles Spain, Assistant Principals Ms. Shaunte Means and Ms. Cantrise Mayfield, and Ms. Jazmin Pitts for teaching fifth grade students at Carver Elementary when substitutes are difficult to obtain. Team work makes the dream work! Thank you!
- I’d like to shout-out the amazing counselors at G.H. Reid, Ms. Haynes and Ms. Jones. They are so hard working and have such passion and patience for the students. They are so helpful all over the building in so many ways. We appreciate you both!
- This is a huge shout-out to Judith Noble, our librarian at George W. Carver Elementary! She helped carry the task of ordering literature for the Books in Hand program, ensuring that students will have high-quality texts to read at school! Thank you for your hard work and dedication!
- Many thanks to Kelly Dubose for lending a helping hand to Mary Scott Preschool this week! We appreciate all you do to support us!
- Shout-out to Ms. Weber and Ms. Cox, 2nd grade co-teachers at G.H. Reid. They always give their best to students and families – especially in difficult situations.
- I want to give a Viking shout-out to our outstanding counseling staff at Thomas Jefferson High School, Ms. Johnson, Mr. Redell, Mr. Dupree, and Ms. Baker. We appreciate all that you do for our students and staff on a daily basis. Enjoy Counseling Week.
- Dr. V. Hampton of Maymont Preschool is a true servant leader who works tirelessly to ensure that the students and families of Maymont have a positive and successful preschool experience. She pours into her staff and allows for them to shine both in and out of the classroom. We are all so fortunate to have her as principal.
- I would like to thank 3 of our very hardworking and dedicated Maymont Preschool floaters, Ms. Hooper, Mrs. George, and Mrs. Whitehead. They are as kind as they are dedicated to our tiny Peacocks. They are such a loving addition to the Maymont team both during and after school. We are so thankful for their presence in our building.
- Even though our crossing guard team did not win the VDOT honors this year, the crossing guards at John B. Cary Elementary are loved by us and our community neighbors. Thanks for all you do, Mr. Bennett, Mrs. Johnson, Mrs. Robinson, and Ms. Burgess!
- A great big shout-out goes to three amazing school counselors from Lucille Brown Middle School, Stephanie Henderson, Mechelle Mayo, and Lisa Coles! These ladies go over and beyond to support our school community, and I am grateful for them.
- I just wanted to send you a short note to thank the district for sending Emily Adamczyk to us at RVA. Not only is she brilliant with the kids, she is on point with data and professionalism. She has been a godsend and the entire owl nest so grateful for her!
- Shout-out to Angela Wright, principal at Fairfield Court Elementary School. She truly cares about the well being of her staff. I appreciate her kindness and way of showing empathy to others. Thank you, Mrs. Wright!
- Shout-out to Nsombi Morrison, academic dean at Fairfield Court Elementary School. She is the epitome of lead with love! Thank you for creating safe and inviting spaces for students and staff.
- Shout-out to Fairfield Elementary School's reading and math coaches, Tiffany Sneed and Joann Grandison. You are valued and your willingness to always jump right in is always inspiring.
- Shout-out to Mrs. Griffin, the school counselor at Swansboro Elementary School. Working with Mrs. Griffin has been a very rewarding experience. Her help has been very timely and effective. I am thankful to her for always being there to help me in whatever way possible.
- I would like to give a big shout-out to the Armstrong School Counselor team , Sonja Branch-Wilson, Carmen Ward, Robin Mayes, Azalea Gilbert, and Jasmine Lomax. They are an amazing team and they would do anything to help students and staff. Happy School Counselors Week!
- I would like to give a huge shout-out to Ms. Melody Reives. She is the quiet whisperer. She encourages all who she comes in contact with and you can tell she loves what she does. She is the type of person that is often overlooked because she doesn't make a fuss or call attention to herself. Ms. Reives, know that your great work is seen and you are loved.
- Marquita Jones, ICC at Holton Elementary – We are so lucky to have Dr. Jones as part of our RPS family! Even in the middle of our crazy busy days, she is always available to her EE colleagues to help problem solve. She never identifies a challenge without thinking of a possible solution. She helps to cover classes and caseloads as her colleagues need without a second thought. Thank you, Dr. Jones, for being an exemplary educator and terrific colleague!
- Ryan Bennett, ICC at Cary Elementary – Mr. Bennett is a force this year! He is taking on additional responsibilities without missing a stride. He has jumped in to help with instruction, progress monitoring, and managing caseloads while a colleague is out. Mr. Bennett always finds a way to ensure our students continue to move toward success!
- Tonya Epps, ICC at Blackwell – Ms. Epps continues to work hard to support her exceptional education team at Blackwell. She finds ways to help teachers work smarter, not harder, which in turn provides more time to help students. Thank you, Ms. Epps, for continuing to look for ways we can improve our practice and for students to be successful!
- Patricia Wood, ICC at Overby-Sheppard Elementary – Dr. Williams excels in building trusting relationships with the families at Overby-Sheppard. Her extensive knowledge and calm demeanor help families feel comfortable even during courageous conversations. Dr. Williams is so good at helping parents feel like they are part of the solution and a partner with the school. Thank you, Dr. Williams!
- A huge shout-out to Natalie Battle, school counselor at Henry Marsh. Ms. Battle wears many hats to include school counselor, mediator, teacher, therapist, and much more. She is sought after by students and parents alike whenever they need support; she is amazing at her job. Happy National School Counselors Week to the best school counselor in RPS.
- Happy School Counselors week to the best of the best at Oak Grove-Bellemeade Elementary. We love our dynamic counseling duo, Ms. Faison & Mrs. Jenkins! Anytime you need help, they are the first people to lend a hand. They are creative, supportive, quick thinkers who are crucial in the daily happenings in our building. I can't think of a day that we don't lean on them hard and they always jump in with a smile on their faces and a willing spirit that seems to make everything OK. Thanks, ladies, for all you do to make our building a better place!
- Shout-out to the intensive support classroom at Cardinal Elementary for their Black History Month door decoration. Each week the door spotlights a few African Americans who have made and are making significant contributions in history that affect everyone's lives today.The children, along with colleagues, stop by to read the contributions of these African Americans. The door is a wonderful conversation piece!
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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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| Important Links – Last updated on November 14, 2022.
RPS Links
COVID-19 Links
Crisis Support Links
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