|
|
| Thursday (2nd PM), January 14, 2021
| |
|
| Dear #RPSStrong Family,
I'm overjoyed to share that the registration link for the COVID-19 vaccine has now been emailed to all RPS employees! I want to thank Dr. Danny Avula, the Virginia Department of Health, and the Richmond City Health District for moving so swiftly to ensure that all teachers, administrators, and support staff have access to the vaccine. I also want to thank Sandra Lee, our Chief Talent Officer, and her team for coordinating everything behind the scenes.
To help inspire confidence in the vaccine's safety, I'll be taking it next week and will do so live on the RPS Facebook page. I'll also be hosting a special vaccine edition of RPS Live! tomorrow at 4:30 pm (also on the RPS Facebook page) with representatives from RCHD to answer your questions. Please make sure to tune in!
With great appreciation,
Jason
| |
- Thank you to all of the flex subs in RPS! You have been willing and able to teach, even at the last minute. We have been fortunate to have subs who not only want to be present, but who execute the aligned curriculum, with the appropriate use of tech, for our students. During quick checks to classrooms, we see the subs working hard to make sure our students are thinking about their responses, sharing during community circle, and finding smiles throughout the day. You are appreciated!
- Shout out to Allissa Thompson, a Cardinal Elementary and River City Middle mom! She is Super Mom and impresses us on a daily basis! Keep being the best!
- I would like to extend a huge shout out to the amazing staff at George Wythe High School. All teachers and staff members did an amazing job working together to host our schoolwide virtual "Stop Drop and Do Edgenuity Day". Bulldog family, please know you are greatly appreciated!
- Shouting out the entire faculty and staff at Lucille M. Brown Middle School for being phenomenal thought partners. This dynamic team of practitioners puts kids and families first, advocating with intensity and thoughtfulness!
- A major shout out to Ms. Camille Scott and Ms. Coles at Lucille M. Brown Middle School. They handled a delicate student situation with great grace and sensitivity. Thank you to both of them.
- I would like to give a shout out to Carmen Ricks from the payroll team. Carmen helped me over Winter Break with a payroll issue. I appreciate her taking the time out of her break to help me!
- I wanted to shout out Ms. Wright and Ms. Ramsey, two of the special education teachers at Fairfield Court Elementary School. They are amazing colleagues who will take extra time out of their day to collaborate with you concerning students and how to best meet their needs. They are willing to attend extra meetings when assistance is needed, and be a listening ear at any time. Their support is greatly appreciated.
- I would like to shout-out my entire work family at G.W. Carver! I have never felt more supported and appreciated in a workplace. I am so proud as an educator to call this school my home.
- I would like to shout out Will Keenan, our Volunteer Engagement Specialist, who will unfortunately be leaving RPS for another great opportunity to continue serving the Richmond community after this week. Will was especially vital to our pandemic response in the early months, when he helped to engage and coordinate the thousands of volunteers who stepped up to help provide nutritional meals, gift cards, laptops, and so much more. Thank you for your service to RPS, Will!
- I would like to shout out Deidra Starkes, Damon Richardson, Damone Harris, Susan Roberson, and the entire operations team for ensuring that meals and supplies get to our students and families where they are needed most!
- Thank you to art teacher Sarah Fought who inspires creativity and excitement through her lessons. On Monday, my child raced to tell me the exciting project that Ms. Fought showed them and spent the afternoon and evening after school creating not one, but five giant snowflakes!
- I would like to shout-out Ms. LaTanya Johnson and Ms. Butler's 3rd grade class at Redd Elementary. I had the privilege to lead this wonderful group of students for the last couple of months and I would like to thank them for their enthusiasm to learn, empathy, mindfulness, and resilience. Please continue to be the change agents and great leaders I know you all can be and we will meet again soon! Finally, I would like to shout out Ms. Deborah Jones for her effective communication and excellent leadership!
| |
| General Assembly Advocacy – We're thrilled to share our General Assembly advocacy slogan and design – "No More Non-Cents! Fund Our Schools!" – created by Jasmine Johnson, a sophomore at John Marshall High School and member of the RPS Student Advisory Council. As the RPS Voice for this week, Jasmine shares a little about her inspiration for the design and encourages others to join her as she advocates for equitable funding for schools across the Commonwealth of Virginia. For more information about how you can get involved in advocating for our schools, visit the RPS website at www.rvaschools.net/advocacy. And don't miss the new RPS gear with Jasmine's design in the RPS Love Store!
| |
| Mobile Helpdesk Update – Due to potential COVID-19 exposure, the Mobile Help Desk will be suspending services until January 25. For any technology needs, please contact helpdesk@rvaschools.net.
| |
| Calendar Reminder – All RPS schools and offices will be closed on Monday, January 18, in observance of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. Families can pick up an extra meal at our normal meal distribution sites on Friday, January 15, for the holiday weekend.
| |
| Scholarships – The Dream Project Scholarship is awarded to immigrant students who demonstrate academic achievement, leadership, community involvement, and perseverance in the face of adversity. The application closes on February 1.
Dominion Energy is awarding $500,000 in scholarships in 2021 to assist African-American and underrepresented students who reside in the company’s service area. The scholarships will be the first made under the Dominion Energy Educational Equity Scholarship Program, a six-year, $10 million initiative. The application closes on January 25.
| |
|
Facilitated Learning Centers – As a reminder, there are still seats available at the "facilitated learning centers" serving RPS students. See below for details.
- Peter Paul Development Center is running a facilitated learning center at MLK MS for 2nd-8th grade RPS students. The full-day option goes from 9 am until 6 pm, and is completely free for low-income families. To learn more, click here.
- The YMCA is is running facilitated learning centers at Miles Jones ES, Holton ES, and Huguenot HS for K-8th grade RPS students. The full-day option goes from 7:30 am until 6 pm, and is completely free for low-income families. To learn more, click here.
- There are also many other facilitated learning centers not housed in RPS schools across the city. To learn more, click here.
| |
|
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!
| |
| Crisis Support – Please reach out if you need help.
| |
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
| |
|
|
|
|
