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Wednesday, May 25, 2022

Dear #RPSStrong Family,

We use the word "unspeakable" to describe tragedies such as the massacre in Texas because they are so horrific that we don't want to – and don't know how to – talk about them. Even my wife and I struggled to fully explain things last night to our youngest son. To help with these difficult conversations, our Culture and Climate Department has pulled together the following resources:

Talking to Children About Terrorist Attacks and School and Community Shootings in the News (National Center for School Crisis and Bereavement)
Restoring a Sense of Safety in the Aftermath of a Mass Shooting (Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress)
Talking to Children About the Shooting (National Child Traumatic Stress Network)
Talking to Children about Violence: Tips for Parents and Teachers (National Association of School Psychologists)
Notes from the Backpack Podcast: How to Talk to Your Kid About Gun Safety (Parent Teacher Association)
The Teacher's Role When Tragedy Strikes (Child Mind Institute)
Responding to School Violence: Tips for Administrators (National Association of School Psychologists)
Coping in the Aftermath of a Shooting (American Counseling Association)
Texas Shooting: How to Help Kids Get Through Unspeakable Horror (LA Times)
Age-Related Reactions to a Traumatic Event (National Child Traumatic Stress Network)

That these documents even exist is a damning indictment of our country's failure to deal with the gun violence pandemic that existed well before COVID-19 – one that sadly shows no signs of abating. I pray that our elected leaders finally have the courage to increase investment in mental health supports and enact common sense gun safety reforms. We need both – now.

Tonight's updates:

Community Healing Circle – All are welcome to join the Community Healing Circle at MLK MS tomorrow, May 26, at 6 pm. This is an opportunity for us to come together and heal from the collective trauma that Richmond and our country continue to face due to gun violence.

VSU G.R.O.W.S. – Virginia State University and RVA Men Teach are offering an incredible opportunity for RPS rising seniors who aspire to become teachers. Ten students will attend a week-long residency at VSU specifically designed for future educators. Apply today!

STARS Summer Challenge – Supporting Tech Achievement for Richmond Students, or STARS, is still recruiting RPS high schoolers to join their data science summer program. This is a great opportunity to learn from experts in the field at no cost. Register before June 10!

FMA Fundraiser – Franklin Military Academy has partnered with the Richmond Kickers to raise funds for the school's 8th grade graduation celebration. Purchase a ticket for the Kicker's home game on Saturday, June 11, through this link and a portion of the sale will go to FMA. Grab your seats today!

With great appreciation,

Jason

Shout-Outs – Please keep sending them to me at jkamras@rvaschools.net.

As a long-standing community partner with RPS, I want to send a heartfelt shout-out to Grady Hart, community partnerships coordinator in the Office of Engagement. Grady is consistently supportive and attentive as he provides valuable guidance for the RPS/community partnership agreement process. He keeps everyone on track and informed and that goes a long way to streamline a multi-step, multi-team system. Thank you, Grady!
Shout-out to Ms. C. Johnson at Lucille Brown! Thank you, Ms. Johnson, for your help this year! Thank you for your encouragement. Hoot Hoot!
Shout-out to Mr. Baber with RVA for all of the clubs and opportunities to participate that he has given to RVA scholars! Way to go, Mr. Baber! Hoot Hoot!
Shout-out to Ms. T. Hawkins at John Marshall for her collaboration with RVA to ensure our scholar was provided the services they needed. Thank you, Ms. Hawkins. Hoot Hoot!

Family Engagement Survey – Have you taken the Annual Family Engagement Survey yet? Please help us strengthen our collaboration by letting us know what we're doing well and what we can improve. Thank you in advance for providing your invaluable feedback!

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 for RPS kindergarten.

Important Links – Last updated on May 24, 2022.

RPS Links

COVID-19 Links

Crisis Support Links

Richmond Behavioral Health Authority (Child/Adult Mental Health) – (804) 819-4100
ChildSavers Immediate Response Helpline (Child Mental Health) – (804) 305-2420
YWCA Greater Richmond (Domestic Violence) – (804) 612-6126
Virginia Child Protective Services (Child Abuse) – (800) 552-7096
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline – (800) 273-8255
Financial Navigators (Resource Contacts for Various Needs) – (804) 646-6673

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