Shout-Outs!

• Shout-out to Principal Dabney, the MLK Middle School Titans, and the RPS Safety & Security team for supporting the MLK Preschool Tiny Titans during our moving on ceremonies. We could not have done it without all of you! We appreciate your support.
• I want to shout-out my wonderful fifth grade team at Cardinal Elementary! There is no way I could have gotten through the year without these amazing teachers. Every time I’ve needed it, they’ve been a shoulder to lean on. Every time I’ve gotten excited about an idea, they’ve been eager to listen. They are dedicated, kind, fun, and inspiring. I look forward to working together for years to come!
• Officer Nious is heaven sent! Even though he is not at our school every day, when he is with us, his presence is a game changer! He genuinely cares about the staff and children. His attitude, concern, demeanor, authority… everything is top notch! Thank you so much, Officer Nious, for being at Miles Jones and supporting our school community. You have turned many frowns upside down! You’re the best.
• I would like to shout-out Ms. Jaketta Lee, who’s our long term substitute at Henry L. Marsh Elementary School. She has shown up to take care of 18 students daily, regardless of how challenging the class may have been. She showed the students love, patience and care! She has communicated daily with parents. She asked coaches to show her how the curriculum works. She has stayed late to keep up with reports, paper work, grades and more. I commend her for showing up to support our team daily and accepting our support and guidance. Ms. Lee, you are appreciated! 
• Huge shout-out to the T.C. Boushall Middle School AVID team. You all continue to surpass my expectations with your ability to teach at such a rigorous level, and support and love our babies. You all have worked tirelessly, but you make it look so easy. Thank you for holding our scholars to high expectations, but most importantly, thank you for believing in our babies and the program. You all truly shined this year with those SOL scores! So proud of you, C. Tremper, K. Reynolds, P. Williams, Z. Pacheco, M. Thorne, A. Proctor, L Gonzalez, M. McPherson, A. Johnson, C. Hayes, J. Thomas  F. Ricks, L. Reid, L. Mickens, K. Brown, and T. Pryor, for being such positive role models.
• Huge shout-out to Mr. Quizo at Cardinal Elementary! He worked tirelessly all year teaching math to a 4th grade class. He differentiated instruction for them, utilizing tutors for small groups and always setting high expectations for all his students! This was above and beyond his role as a LIEP teacher. Mr. Quizo exemplifies true teamwork for the staff at Cardinal!
• I want to shout-out Mr. Beazley and Lt. Ortiz for putting students' safety first. Thank you for supporting MLK's 8th grade dance and making sure our students and staff were safe. Thank you for all that you do. You are greatly appreciated and thanks for always supporting MLK.
• Shout-out to Kimberly Jackson-Smalls, school psychologist, for the excellent teamwork and innovative thinking she displays as a part of the RAS eligibility team! We couldn't do what we do without you!
• Shout-out to Sharon Bryant, Ms. Briggs, and Ms.Martinez at RAS for always going the extra mile for students and staff.
• Shout-out to Ms.Trent, ICC at John Marshall, for always answering her phone to mentor ICCs at other schools! She truly is amazing.
• Shout-out to Charlene Myers at RAS who works hard to keep our building in tip-top shape!
• Shout-out to Audrey Feggins at TJ for her willingness to share her knowledge and best practices with staff while embracing all students and always looking for a way to improve the lives of those she serves!
• A huge shout out to the teachers, administrators, cafeteria managers, and all other staff members of the 12 fabulous elementary schools – Bellevue, Blackwell, Francis McClenney, Chimborazo, Oak Grove-Bellemeade, Overby-Sheppard, Woodville, Henry Marsh, Fairfield Court, Westover Hills, Miles Jones, and Swansboro – that take part in Blue Sky Fund's Explorers program. We had a wonderful time learning, listening, playing, observing, questioning, and enjoying the outdoors with your 3rd-5th grade scholars this year and can't wait to do it again next year!
• A big shout-out to the following dedicated professionals who have helped brainstorm, draft, and create the soon to be completed first ever Environmental Literacy Plan for Richmond Public Schools. In no particular order: Eunique Bryant, Kat Shearer, Allen Dickerson, Dawn Maskell, Cullen Dolson, Greysi Vasquez, Chloe Tremper, Amina Ahmed, John Metcalf, Summer Schultz, Brooke Cosans, Tracy Smith, Wendy Just, and Aimee Sobon! We are honored to get the opportunity to work with you and benefit from your careful consideration and consultation.
• I would like to give a huge shout-out to all of the amazing staff at Chimborazo Elementary. Ms. Trish, Ms. Martha, Ms. Hunt, and Ms. Johnson, you have knowledge and know-how that provides safety and joy for our students. Ms. Ryan, Ms. Foster, and Ms. Valentine, you provide structure that sets the stage for growth. Ms. Wilson, you are a loving bridge that creates powerful connections. Mr. Watkins and Ms. Gross, you create a community where all are welcome and feel at home. All of the teachers and All of the support staff, from the front desk to the maintenance and janitorial staff, at Chimborazo foster a welcoming community of inclusion, and you feel it the moment you enter the school. Thank you, Chimbo team, for all you do!
• A big shout-out to our amazing RVA SLPs – Ms. Keawmanne, Mrs. Adamczky, Mr. Pagillo, and Ms. Weber. Your incredible grace and dedication are truly appreciated. Hoot Hoot!
• I would like to shout-out Mr. Quizo at Cardinal Elementary School for his dedication to supporting our 4th grade team with math instruction for the past several months. He's gone above and beyond for our students, including leading remediation for the 4th grade math SOL. Our successes in math would not be possible without his support and hard work. Thank you, Mr. Quizo!
• Shout-out to Mrs. Anita Davis at RVA for stepping up today. Thank you for being a team player! You are appreciated. Shout-out to all RVA families whose scholars are moving up and onward! Keep standing in your greatness! Shout-out to all RVA supporters, scholars, families, and staff for rising to every challenge this year. Thank you! Hoot Hoot!
• Shout-out to Dr. Volley, Ms. White, Mr. Cartwright, Ms. A. Daniels, Ms. Gordon, Ms. N. Thomas, Mrs. T. Stevens, Mr. C. Marrer, Dr. Gooding, Ms. T. Horgan, Mr. C. Jeter, Mrs. S. Portee, Ms. C. Smith, and Ms. C. Trent for your input and guidance this year! Continue to do it anyway! Hoot Hoot!
• I'd like to send my heartfelt thanks to Mrs. Fitch, music teacher at T.C. Boushall Middle School, and her two students, Angela Lopez and SaiAri Stevens, for all of their help organizing and reshelving books today! You all saved me hours of work! Thank you, thank you, thank you!
• I would like to shout-out Ms. Ponton for her extraordinary work in supporting MLK and its attendance team. With her support, we have decreased our chronic absenteeism significantly this school year, from 27% to 18.33%.
• 47 Holton ES alum attended their Senior Walk and Reunion to celebrate their graduation this spring! Congratulations, Class of 2024!
  

Reminders from Previous RPS Directs

• 9 am – Open HS
• 12 pm – Richmond Community HS
• 3 pm – Franklin Military Academy
• 6 pm – Richmond Virtual Academy 

• 12 pm – Huguenot HS
• 3 pm – John Marshall HS
• 6 pm – Thomas Jefferson HS

• 12 pm – Armstrong HS
• 3 pm – Richmond HS for the Arts
  

Important Links

• RPS Website
• Family Support Line: (804) 780-6195
• Enrollment Portal
• RPS Love Store
  
• RPS Opportunities Hub
• Breakfast & Lunch
  

• 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 – Send a text to 988 or call (800) 273-8255
• Financial Navigators (Resource Contacts for Various Needs) – (804) 646-6673
• Latinos in Virginia Empowerment Center (24/7 hotline in Spanish) – (888) 969-1825

• Richmond & Henrico Health Districts (Immunizations & Physicals) – (804) 205-3501