| Dear #RPSStrong Family,
Tonight's updates:
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Career Fair – The Richmond Adult Technical Center will hold a career fair tomorrow, April 17, and Thursday, April 18, from 6 - 8 pm at the Richmond Technical Center. Don't miss this incredible opportunity to meet with employers and participate in job interviews!
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Assistant Principal Spotlight – Mary Munford ES Assistant Principal Sametrian Miller goes above and beyond to engage her families and the community as true partners. For example, she recently led an "international night" when over 200 students and families enjoyed an imaginary cruise aboard the "Majestic Mary Munford of the Seas." The cruise offered dance lessons, musical performances, arts and crafts, and delicious desserts from all over the world. When asked how she maintains an environment where students and staff feel supported, heard, and valued, she shared: "By taking time to build relationships, promoting open and honest communication, encouraging a growth mindset, and celebrating successes."
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Fourth District School Board Seat – The School Board is officially launching the process to select a Fourth District Board Member who will serve until the regularly scheduled election this November. Please see the flier below for eligibility criteria and key dates. If you have any questions, please contact School Board Clerk Patrece Richardson via email or call (804) 780-7716.
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Summer Bridge Program – I'm thrilled to share that this summer we're holding our first-ever Summer Bridge program! Rising 9th grade students are encouraged to register for this unique opportunity to experience high school prior to beginning classes in the fall. The Summer Bridge program will run from July 15 - July 18 at Dogwood MS and River City MS. The deadline to register is Friday, May 17.
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With great appreciation,
Jason
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Shout-Outs – Please help us continue to inspire and uplift the RPS community by submitting shout-outs to shoutouts@rvaschools.net. Entries can be submitted in Spanish or English!
- I would love to shout-out Mrs. Ketia Singleton, assistant principal of Lois Harrison-Jones Elementary School, who is an amazing individual and an exceptional leader. If you meet her in the hallway or anywhere else in the school building, she can be seen with a genuine smile and welcoming words as she walks about the school on a daily basis. Mrs Singleton is always willing to lend a helping hand whether that is in the form of a listening ear, or words of wisdom. Mrs. Singleton is a treasure, and a gem to the Lois Harrison-Jones community. I am proud to say that I worked with Mrs. Singleton, who is kind, fair, and the epitome of a great leader. Keep up the amazing work you do. Your words of wisdom and quiet fortitude leave a mark wherever you go. You exhibit genuine kindness in both your words as well as your actions and that speaks volumes! Thank you, Mrs Ketia Singleton, for being you!
- A loud and boisterous shout-out for the exceptional education team at Huguenot High School – Pam Ragin, ICC; Nicole Glover, department chair; Darlene Slade, transition mentor teacher; and the dynamic case managers who all expect and give only excellence! Never enough thanks for the outstanding job they do in ensuring our students receive only the best in services, support, and instruction. Special thanks to: Mr. Tyrone Segee, Mr. Steven Armstrong, Ms. Susan O'Brien, Ms. Twanna Gray, Ms Betty Bowers, Ms. Virginia Turner, Mr. Fernando Pinheiro, Ms. Taylor White, Ms. Nakiya Jones, Mr. Derrick Johnson, Ms. Julianna Silfee, Ms Yamale Pamplin, Ms. Faith Nichols, Ms. Corrie Mallory-Coble, Ms. Carol Dennis, Ms. Stephanie Tompkins and Mr. Isaiah Fludd, who go above and beyond every day for our students.
- A huge shout-out to Dr. Indira Lipscomb-Quarles who received her doctoral degree this past weekend. She is a leader of leaders who day in and day out gives 1,000% to the educational leadership at RPS. Dr. Quarles partners with building leadership to ensure families and their students are successful. She is so deserving of this new title. Congratulations, Dr. Indira Lipscomb-Quarles!
- Congratulations to the AKA Young Writers competition winners: Na'eemah Richcha (grade 4 - 1st place), Melbee Vieira (grade 4 - 2nd place), and Janae Melson (grade 5 - 3rd place). Thank you to Ms. T. Williams, literacy coach at PHSSA for her mentorship and guidance. We are proud of all of you!
- Shout-out to George W. Carver's partners – VCU, Kiwani, Misti Mueller, Veranda Cobbs, John Mahone, and Dr. Bob Rogers – for the update to our playground black top. You all did a wonderful job and made it look fantastic. We really appreciate your hard work in ensuring our students are able to do math and reading in a fun way. We just want to say thank you from everyone here at Carver nation.
- Shout-out to Ms. Merritt and Ms. Brown for leading Career Day at Amelia Street today! Their leadership helped students to connect with their future selves and start the process of creating dreams that will surely manifest in the future! Especially, when we are all so bogged down with testing, it is so important to remember the real goal of education: to prepare our learners to be the leaders of tomorrow. Thank you, Ms. Merritt and Ms. Brown!
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| Reminders from Previous RPS Directs
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| Mental Health Support – The events of the past couple of weeks are incredibly traumatic, especially for children. If you or a young person in your life is struggling to cope, I urge you to access the resources listed below.
- Students who need emergency mental health support should call the Richmond Behavioral Health Authority at (804) 819-4100 or the ChildSavers Immediate Response line at (804) 305-2420 (or send a text to 741741).
- RPS employees in need of emergency support should contact the Cigna 24/7 Crisis Line at (833) ME-CIGNA, or (833) 632-4462. Additional counseling and support services are also available through the Cigna Employee Assistance (EAP) program by calling (800) 544-6931.
- Spanish-speakers affected by violence are encouraged to contact the Latinos in Virginia Empowerment Center at (888) 969-1825.
- Any community member impacted by gun violence can reach out to the Trauma Healing Response Network, a coalition of grassroots, community-based organizations and mental health partners. The network can also facilitate the distribution of emergency relief funds to help those in crisis. For more information, email traumahealingresponsenetwork@gmail.com.
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Firearm Safety – If you own a firearm, please make sure it's stored safely. More than half of all owners of firearms in the US – including 55% of gun owners with children in the home – do not practice safe firearm storage. As a preventative measure, Lock & Talk Virginia provides free trigger locks for firearms. To receive one, please email Charlene Edwards at RBHA or stop by VCU Pediatrics (1000 E. Broad St).
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| #TeachWithLove at RPS – We're thrilled to offer signing bonuses of up to $7,000 for new hires starting in the fall! If you or someone you know is interested in joining the RPS team, please take a moment to visit our website to browse open positions. For more information, please email talentoffice@rvaschools.net.
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| RPS Links
Crisis Support Links
Health and Wellness Links
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