| Wednesday, January 12, 2022
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| Before diving in tonight, I want to acknowledge the anxiety and fear that many of you may be feeling right now, especially after seeing tonight's and last night's COVID update. As a parent myself, I share some of that anxiety. But I'm also heartened by the knowledge that our schools have proven to be some of the safest places in Richmond. Yes, cases are spiking. But they're doing so largely because of community spread. Of course, we'll continue to monitor the situation very closely, and if things change – if our schools become a key source of transmission, or if staffing levels drop too low – we'll reassess. For now, though, I continue to believe that being in school is the best possible place for our students – in terms of COVID-19, mental health, and learning. As the MANY shout-outs below demonstrate, together, we'll find our way through this latest phase of the pandemic and come out the other side even stronger.
Tonight's Updates:
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| RPS Live! – Please join us tonight for our next installment of RPS Live! Our featured guests will be Dr. Melissa Viray, Deputy Director of the Richmond City and Henrico Health Districts, and Michelle Hudacsko, RPS Chief of Staff and COVID Czar, who will discuss the Omicron variant of COVID-19 and how we can best protect ourselves and our community. I hope you'll join us live on our Facebook page at 7 pm.
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| Vaccination Opportunities – Even with Omicron, the COVID-19 vaccine is still the best way to protect yourself and your community. Our next vaccination clinic for anyone 5-years-old and up – for first, second, or booster shots – is tomorrow, January 13, from 4-7 pm at J. H. Blackwell ES (300 E 15th St). The Richmond City Health District is also offering to bring vaccinations to your home if you can't get to a clinic (amazing!). See the flyers below for more information.
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| R.E.B. Awards for Teaching Excellence – Don't miss the opportunity to nominate your teacher for the R.E.B. Awards for Teaching Excellence. Award winners receive grants up to $15,000 to support any professional learning adventure they wish to pursue, anywhere in the world! Nominations are open until February 22.
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| Calendar Reminder – RPS is closed on Monday, January 17, in observance of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. All schools and offices will reopen on Tuesday, January 18.
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| Council Member Lambert – Council Member Ann-Frances Lambert of Richmond's 3rd District stopped by Mary Scott Preschool to visit our Rising Stars this morning! Council Member Lambert was in great hands with Mary Scott's principal – and RPS legend of 37 years – Dr. Massenburg- Johnson (affectionately known as Dr. MJ). The preschoolers were so excited to tell Council Member Lambert all about what they're learning and what's for lunch :). Thank you taking time out of your busy schedule to visit, Council Member Lambert!
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| With great appreciation,
Jason
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- I’d like to shout-out to Mrs. Jody Campbell, AP at J.B. Fisher Elementary. Mrs. Campbell goes above and beyond to make sure our students and staff are supported. She is always on the move, making sure everyone is okay and checking in. Thank you for all that you do, Mrs. Campbell. Your Fisher family sees you and appreciates you.
- I wanted to say a huge thank you to my assistant principal, Ms. Flowers from Linwood Holton ES. She has done a great job communicating and checking in with teachers this week!
- I wanted to send a shout-out to Linwood Holton's assistant principal, Ms. Flowers. This is her first year as an administrator. She has been balancing all of her duties as the only admin in the building, keeping the staff informed of everything happening, and walking the halls when she can. Thank you for thriving during this challenging time!
- Shout-out to Nurse P at Mary Scott Preschool! Not only does she ensure the children's well-being, she also make sure the staff are well, too!
- Massive shout-out to Shirlna Rhoades at George Wythe High School. Ms. Rhoades is doing a huge amount of work in following up with families in order to make for speedy enrollment. She is instrumental in helping communicate and track incoming students to GWHS, and she very frequently goes above and beyond in answering and following up, even after hours. Thank you for all that you do, Ms. Rhoades!!
- I was in quarantine for COVID-19 and felt like it is a blessing for me to come out alive to talk about it! My body is still unwell, but my heart misses all my students and my colleagues. Upon returning today, I know why my heart was ready to come back and this shout out is for an amazing person - my SPED administrator - Ms. Jamison at River City Middle School. Ms. Jamison has a million things to do, I am sure of that, but she took the time to specially check in on me on my first day back today from COVID-19. She genuinely cares, and her passion shows in her work both with the students and colleagues. I appreciated her guidance to speak with the nurse and more importantly her care in recommending that I give myself permission to take care of myself. Again, I want to thank her for reaching out to check in on me. I am filled with respect for your leadership and gratitude for your care, Ms. Jamison!
- I want to shout out the most amazing nurse that we are so blessed to have at Mary Scott Preschool - Mrs. Wanda Pulliam! Her bright smile is the first thing the kids see when they come in the building every morning (she wears a mask but you can tell by her kind eyes that she is smiling). She puts in 110% every day to make sure our littlest learners at RPS are healthy and safe. Nurse Pulliam is always walking top speed down the hallways to help someone and sometimes even skips with my students! When she comes in class she will stop what she is doing for a few minutes to dance with us - and of course the kids love that (and her)! She never bats an eye when I ask her fifty million questions and is always available to talk to parents. She is a bright shining star and we are so lucky to have her! Thanks for all you do, Nurse Wanda!
- Shout-out to Principal Jacquelyn Murphy-Braxton from the River City Middle School Family. Thank you for leading our students and staff with love!
- I just wanted to give a shout-out to the RPS staff distributing PPE at Arthur Ashe. Everyone was so welcoming, pleasant, and friendly. A special thank you to Mr. Donald Spring for his assistance with loading items in my vehicle. You all are greatly appreciated!
- I would like to send a shout-out to Lisa Thanadar, school psychologist, who continually goes over and above in her willingness to assist. Thank you for being encouraging and flexible, and willing to help out for the success of all of our students.
- I would like to shout out all 5 of my wonderful principals: Dr. Probst at Blackwell, Dr. MJ at Mary Scott, Dr. Hampton at Maymont, Ms. Hartsfield at MLK Jr., and Mrs. Tobe at Summerhill! These ladies have warmly made my transition to preschool library easy and entertaining! Preschool is real school and you demonstrate this daily. Thank you for your smiles, assistance, and above all, leading with love!
- Happy Principal's Appreciation Week to Principal Rickey at Binford! During a period of time when it is so important to take care of the people around you, she continues to dedicate herself to doing so every day. Our school and community are safer and learning together because of her commitment to leading with love.
- Thank you to Mrs. Kecia Ryan, principal at J.L. Francis Elementary School. Mrs. Ryan is what truly defines a warrior. Even during her own personal struggles, she managed to check on students and parents. Recently, she learned that I had Covid and reached out to me daily. As a parent, her actions defined what a principal is. Mrs. Ryan continues to make J.L. Francis the joy and pride of Southside. Happy Principal's Week, Mrs. Ryan. We love you!
- Thank you to Principal Cherita Sears at Thomas Jefferson High School. She is always available to parents and transparent about the happenings at Thomas Jefferson. Mrs. Sears has been a quiet inspiration to 3 of my 4 children. My daughter, who has graduated from TJ, still speaks about how making Mrs. Sears the principal at TJ was the best thing RPS ever did! As a parent, I truly love her kindness, positivity, and encouraging spirit. Thank you for all you do, Mrs. Sears. We love you!
- I cannot say enough about Mrs. Angela Wright. I do not have children who attend Fairfield Court Elementary, but I see on a daily basis the difference her presence has made at Fairfield. Mrs. Wright is honest, fair, and supportive. As an employee, I have enjoyed being able to work directly with her to make sure her staff and students have a clean, safe learning environment. Mrs. Wright is always positive and a true problem solver! All principals could learn a lot from Mrs. Wright. Thank you so much for being you!
- I would like to give a shout out to the awesome Open High School students who donated 1,628 lbs of food today to FeedMore. A special shout out goes our to teachers, Vic Carll and Brigette Newberry, who organized the food drive, and, together with our awesome PTSA President Pam Embrey and some students, loaded and delivered the canned goods to Feed More.
- I want to give a shout out to all of the incredible students of RPS. The world has asked so much of our kids since March 2020, and these kids continue to show such adaptability, perseverance, and grace. It’s hard to see them going through the hard times this pandemic has brought on, but it is inspiring to see them find their passions and voices amidst it all.
- Shout out to Rachel Robinson, a 3rd grade teacher at Linwood Holton ES. It is evident to anyone who visits her classroom that Ms. Robinson loves her profession! She displays passion and zeal and treats each student with dignity and respect. She works hard to educate her students but more importantly, she cares about the well-being of each student. Ms. Robinson prides herself on making her classroom a safe space where her students can thrive and grow.
- Milton Turner of Henry Marsh Elementary School has been a great impact with the scholars on the elementary level. He has really taken interest in helping them improve their reading, writing and math skills. His goal is to get them to their grade level in each area. Milton is very adament about students of color being above and beyond where they should be in education, and more so, in life.
- Ma'asehyahu Isra-Ul works for the department of Curriculum and Instruction and is the only black male instructional specialist in Richmond Public Schools. He is a historian of the highest caliber; one of his key principles for teacher training is that “More effective teachers truly produce more successful students.” He passionately aims at making that happen everyday.
- Keith Washington works at Binford Middle School as a math teacher. He is the kind of guy that would give you the shirt off his back if he could. He tries his best to make everyone's life better.
- Kieran Wilkinson is a science teacher at River City Middle School. He is a natural at connecting with students. His lessons are always fun, engaging, and exciting. He is a role model to the male students of color that he teaches.
- Johnnie Jones has a heart of gold. He is caring and generous. He works as an instructional compliance coordinator and dreams of one day being a principal. He is the kind of individual most of us should strive to be like. He is awesometacular.
- Michael Kyles, PE teacher extraordinaire at Chimborazo Elementary School, is a dynamo of passion for health and physical education. He is a role model to boys of color and a staple of the community. He has been at the school so long that his name is synonymous with Chimborazo.
- Louis Brown, math coach at Chimborazo Elementary School, is the personification of a class act. He is a new addition to the staff and he has effortlessly integrated himself into the school culture. He is a role model to boys of color. He is a mild-mannered, well-spoken, witty individual with a passion to impart knowledge. He is someone that we should all seek to emulate.
- Alex Alexson, instructional technology resource teacher, is one of the kindest supportive teachers in Richmond Public Schools. He always has a positive attitude and supports his fellow educators no matter what they need.
- Shout out to our RPS division level team that has been providing coverage and support at Oak Grove-Bellemeade Elementary!
- I would like to give a shout out to Miles Jones ES first grade teacher, Lisa Robertson. Today, in the hallway I passed by her classroom and 100 percent of her class was fully engaged with an amazing math lesson! Way to go!
- Shout out to the incredible teachers, administration, and staff at Westover Hills Elementary School! You continue to work incredibly hard to create a safe and loving learning environment for our kids. We know that you must be exhausted, but you keep showing up! Thank you for giving children the space that they need to learn and grow, and for inspiring curiosity and wonder. We appreciate you!
- Thank you to the central office personnel that have been working at Miles Jones Elementary. You have made the transition into 2022 smooth for us all. Stay amazing!
- Ms. Angelique Bland is an amazing person at Miles Jones Elementary! She has gone above and beyond to make sure our students are being cared for and safe. Thank you for all your hard work!
- Miles Jones ES is proud to have Mrs. Carpenter at our school. When there was a need, she stepped in, and did it with joy. She is also helping new teammates learn the curriculum. Thank you again for your passion to educate the students!
- Shout-out to Oak Grove-Bellemeade Elementary School counselor, Bridget Faison! She hit the ground running here and has been a wonderful addition to our school. Ms. Faison is always willing to lend a helping hand, has great ideas to share, organizes and manages our Safety Patrollers and does a fabulous job with our morning announcements each day. There are so many other projects she has helped with this school year and we cannot say thank you enough.
- Shout out to Oak Grove-Bellemeade Elementary School nurse, Kristen Hitt! She is a great communicator, super understanding and a positive spirit in our school community. We are so glad to have her in our building, supporting our students and families during this difficult time.
- Shout out to the Oak Grove-Bellemeade Elementary front office team - Ms. Lawson, Ms. Hernandez, and Ms. Wilkins. You ladies wear way too many hats to count, but you are always willing to help the students and staff. Your caring attitude towards our students and families is appreciated and does not go unnoticed. Thank you for what you do each day to help this building run so smoothly!
- Shout out to Ms. Hill and Ms. McCloud at Henderson Middle School for checking in on a central office sub. I appreciated the check-ins, guidance, and help that you gave.
- Shout out to Ms. Grimes at Henderson Middle School who taught me how to use the Smart Board! She made this daunting task so easy, and it helped make the class run smoothly.
- Shout out to Ms. Waller at Boushall Middle School. You are such a presence in your building, and the support and help you provided to central office subs made the day so much easier. A special shout out to Ms. Haas who provided tech help and Ms. Abdelkader for materials.
- I would like to extend a special recognition to Principal Kelly Tobe of Summer Hill Preschool. Principal Tobe is a phenomenal leader who leads with empathy, enthusiasm, and care! Her work and passion extends well beyond the normal work hours. On several occasions, she's called or texted after school hours to ensure our family had the resources and information we needed to have a successful academic year! Even through a global pandemic, she fiercely leads her school towards greatness. Principal Tobe, thank you for being the leader we not only want, but need!
- I’d like to shout out Principal El Koubi from Westover Hills Elementary. It has been a true joy getting to know her as my principal. She has a strong vision of excellence and so deeply believes in the potential of all of our students. She is willing to get taped up to walls in the name of student achievement. When one of my students got his first 100% on an exit ticket, she came and congratulated him during the day. When there is a need, she is often the person responding directly-she covers lunch so teachers can take a break, delivers masks so kids and adults can stay healthy, advocates for teachers using feedback she receives directly from us, and always has a smile on her face to greet the children and staff. Ms. El Koubi helps Westover Hills feel like a forever school! Thanks for being our principal!
- I’d like to shout out Assistant Principal Alston at Westover Hills Elementary. Ms. Alston is always walking the hallways to greet students and staff, ready with a story to share and a smile to spread. She is organized and holds a high bar for what students can and should be doing in school. She truly believes in the ability of each student to achieve their goals and goes above and beyond to support staff in creating a nurturing environment that fosters that type of growth. She and Principal El Koubi regularly talk about how they complement each other and it is true. To the rest of us, they are a cohesive unit that functions effectively to support and nurture the wonderful school community that Westover Hills is known for. Thank you for all you’ve done this year for Westover Hills students, staff, and families! We are grateful to have you.
- I wanna commend and send a huge thank you to Principal Hudson for stepping up and always being available to parents 24/7 with questions. Not all parents are able to communicate through email so he sends communications through texts as well, which is amazing. There is not one time I couldn’t bring up a issue and he handled it efficiently and properly. Thank you for making Franklin Military Academy great, and we appreciate you for all you do.
- I'd like to send a loud and proud shout out and Happy Principal's Week to my principal, Dr. Stacy Gaines! She is a phenomenal leader who works to create dynamic systems in our building. Throughout COVID, she has been fidelitous in her efforts to support and nurture our school community. Dr. Gaines is not only innovative in her leadership practices, her wicked sense of humor can make the best out of the most trying situation, and there is no price tag you can put on that!! Way to go, Doc!!!
- So much gratitude and appreciation for Mrs. Jansz, a brand-new second grade teacher at Linwood Holton Elementary, who has kept parents involved and informed, created a welcoming classroom, engaged every kid, and done all this with kindness and humor in a very short and challenging period of time.
- Thanks to Principal Clary Carleton of Open High, for caring for every student in her school, recognizing their unique talents and challenges. My daughter has had a year of big ups and downs, and Clary has supported and cheered her throughout.
- I’d like to acknowledge Emily Hooker at Linwood Holton ES for selflessly stopping by teachers' rooms on her breaks to provide them with a bathroom break due to staff shortages. We love you, Mrs. Hooker!!
- In appreciation of crossing guards, I would like to shout out Summer Hill Preschool's Ms. Melody McCowin and Ms. Stephanie Cumberbatch. These ladies love their job and their students. They enthusiastically engage students walking to school while keeping them safe in rain, snow, sleet or hail. They are there to make sure the students and families safely come to school every day. Thank you so much, ladies! We appreciate you!
- Shout out to Principal Melissa Rickey of Binford MS. She always leads by example. She makes all students and staff feel important. She is the best principal in RPS.
- Shoutout to everyone at Mary Munford ES - from our amazing principals, Mr. Muzik and Mrs. Miller, our teachers, our janitors, our front office staff, our 2 amazing cafeteria leads, our resource teachers, our bus drivers, to our parents, families and caregivers...everyone. Thank you. This year has not been normal, but you have done everything to make it as positive and happy as possible. And, to everyone at the central office – our principal, Mr. Muzik, has been speaking your praises. Thanks for helping our school, and every school, be able to stay open over the last 2 weeks. We appreciate everything you all do.
- Shouting out Mrs. Rickey at Binford who is absolutely phenomenal. She is a principal who has an awesome and rare ability to guide and inspire teachers. She allows us to creatively and academically reach for the stars while "teaching with love"!
- Special shout out to Principal Shayla Holeman at Overby-Sheppard Elementary for her awesome leadership. She truly leads with a heart for her students and staff.
- I would like to thank my principal, Shayla Holeman, for the love and care she shows to her Overby-Sheppard ES staff and students. Mrs. Holeman checked on me throughout the winter break after I had a procedure done. I appreciate her taking time to make sure I was ok. As our principal, she shows us that she values us as professionals and humans. I want her to know she is loved and appreciated.
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| COVID-19 Reminders – Please see the flyers below for updated information about our school-based vaccination events. Though Omicron is causing more breakthrough cases, the risk of serious disease in vaccinated individuals appears to be very low. So please make sure to get vaccinated if you haven't already done so!
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| Testing Site at Richmond Raceway – The Richmond Raceway will be serving as one of the state's COVID-19 Community Testing Centers (CTC). To make an appointment, click here and enter zip code 23222. The CTC will operate at Gate 7, 4690 Carolina Avenue. The clinic will run every day from now until January 13, from 9 am - 6 pm. After that, the clinic will be open Saturdays - Tuesdays, from 9 am - 6 pm.
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| Yale National Initiative – The Yale National Initiative to strengthen teaching in public schools is looking for their next cohort of Richmond fellows! This is a wonderful opportunity for teachers to explore innovative topics and experience collaborative professional development. Learn more and apply by January 17!
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| Important Links – Last updated on December 15, 2021.
RPS Links
COVID-19 Links
Crisis Support Links
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