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| Monday, November 23, 2020
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| Dear #RPSStrong Family,
I am heartbroken to share – yet again – that we have lost another student to gun violence. I no longer have the words to convey the sadness and anger I feel in the face of these senseless tragedies. So I'm going to channel my energy tonight into a plea for action. If you, or someone you know, is in trouble, please reach out for help:
Let's also fight the darkness of this tragedy with light. Please flood my inbox with shout-outs tonight so that tomorrow's RPS Direct – my last before Thanksgiving – turns into one long love letter to our teachers, support staff, families, and partners.
With great appreciation,
Jason
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- Thank you to my dedicated classroom volunteer, Mrs. Susan Ryan, and the River Road Church Baptist Board for donating 100 student white boards to our third grade class at Oak Grove-Bellemeade Elementary School. We appreciate the donation and the students are enjoying using the white boards while learning.
- I would like to shout out Cory Adkins at G.H. Reid. She goes above and beyond for all of her students and coworkers. She spends hours outside of class making sure her students know all the necessary technology, and she empowers students to help each other. She consistently creates authentic learning experiences and does not shy away from hard work. She regularly seeks technological and in-person help so that all English Learners and their families are comfortable and thoroughly understand school.
- So thankful for the Open High Team! They work hard everyday (and no doubt many nights) to ensure that learning continues in a positive, nurturing environment.
- Shout out all the fantastic teachers in House Zenergy at Binford: Ms. Rainney, Ms. Barr, Ms. Wilson, Mr. Chapman, Ms. Mitchell, and Ms. Sadler. My son always remarks how great the teachers are, and he's proud to be a Binford Lion!
- Shout out to the stellar 4th grade team at PHSSA! Mr. Schwartz, Ms. Schwartz, Ms. Starke, Ms. Chamblin, Mr. LaPrad, Mr. Godsey, Ms. Wood, and Mr. Litchfield. Our family appreciates all you are doing to keep our youngest child engaged!
- I want to give a huge shoutout to Ms. Perkinson from Binford MS for her amazing work and dedication to the Binford Dance Company. Ms. Perkinson goes beyond what is ask of her for her students. She has done so much since my daughter has been at Binford. She took dance her first year and then became a member of the dance company her last two years. My daughter’s love for dance has grown these past 3 years at Binford because of this amazing teacher. Saturday was a wonderful experience for all the members of the Dance Company. My husband and I enjoyed seeing the amazing work the kids have been working on with their guest choreographer. I am glad they were able to get together as a group. Thank you for all you do!!!
- I also want to give a shoutout to Ms. Harvey and Mr. Tyree at Thomas Jefferson High School. These teachers take their time and help my daughter succeed in their classroom. Thanks for all you do!!!
- Shout out to the Talent Office in general, but especially to the Benefits Team: Director Alyson Davis; Specialists Sherrie Brown, Marie Holmes, Letitia Lampley, Michelle Owens, and Van Shelton; and admin Mrs. Joanne Jones for being the team's smiling, helpful face. Thank you to each of them for going above and beyond to ensure all of our benefits are in place, that we have what we need for our daily lives, and that we are being mindful of how we can practice being WELL even in this pandemic. Today, for my family, it's all of the little things as we scramble to do life in a different way, and we are so appreciative of the supports that your staff provides. THANK YOU!!!
- I would like to give a shout out to Nakisha Winston, assistant principal at G.H. Reid. She is a true example of leading with love. She has high expectations for the staff and students, and always seems to know when her motivational words are needed. G.H. Reid is lucky to have her.
- Sending a shoutout for our math coach at Overby-Sheppard Elementary School, Mrs. Jaeger. She is supportive, passionate, and makes math so fun & accessible.
- Thank you to Ms. Burch, the flex sub at Miles Jones. She steps in whenever there is a need and continues to give the students aligned instruction based on the materials and information provided by the team of wonderful teachers at the school. You are appreciated!
- I would like to give a shout out to Rochelle Wilkins, Instruction Assessment Analyst, for making sure all Edgenuity needs are met during this period of virtual instruction for the PLC. She is always willing to share her knowledge. Thanks, Rochelle!!
- Shout out to the Wonderfully Proud Principal of Holton ES (Dr. Hurt!) who recognized the strength and talents of Ms. DeMet. I emphatically say THANK YOU for bringing her onto the Holton team! Ms. DeMet has been a beacon of calmness for this class, which allows the children to openly engage in what may seem to be an awkward platform of learning for a third grader. She has made virtual learning so much fun that my son literally rushes through his morning chores and runs to his computer so he can get on early. He has excelled since September and for that we thank Ms. DeMet!
- I want to personally shout out the Summer Hill Preschool Staff for supporting a family and a very special student in their time of need. Thank you, too, to the community heroes who also came out to show their overwhelming love. I am so grateful for the RVA Fire Chief, Police Chief, Public Works Department, and Mayor's Office for taking time to make this child's wish come true. Thanks to the entire RPS preschool staff, especially Brittany Rouse, Robin Borders, Jami Hunt, and Candid President, for truly leading and teaching with love.
- Heather Smith, the Literacy Coach at Bellevue Elementary School, deserves a HUGE shout-out! Mrs. Smith coordinated a spectacular virtual Literacy Lounge Thanksgiving event for parents and students. The evening was truly inspiring and heart-warming. Mrs. Smith's passion for literacy is evident in all that she does. She is truly appreciated by her Bellevue family!
- I would like to shout-out Bellevue Elementary School's administrative team, Principal Tanaia Hines and Assistant Principal Vercynthia Penn, for coordinating a wonderful "I Survived" celebration to recognize the hard work and efforts of the staff throughout the first quarter. They began the morning with an inspiring staff huddle, then followed up with exciting gift card drawings throughout the day and a delicious catered lunch. Ms. Hines and Mrs. Penn are commended for always thinking of creative ways to motivate and show appreciation for their staff!
- I wanted to take the time to shout out our very own Kieasha King for being one of VEA's presenters at our IPD Conference. She highlighted the need to focus on social and emotional learning (SEL). One of our greatest assets as a district is our educators that go above and beyond their classrooms to benefit our students.
- I would like to shout out the team of folks that helped to distribute Marking Period 2 Math textbooks/musical instruments/art supplies and Chromebooks to the students at William Fox! We could not have done it without the support of the Katrina Jackson from the Family Liaison Office who brought with her some colleagues from the West End/Northside sector, and the following Fox staff members: Jocelyn Verdi (ITRT), Melissa Oliver (Media Spec.), Lindsey Crider (Nurse), Mark Bingaman (PE Teacher), Elisa Schauer (Spanish Teacher), Gus Caldwell (IA), Julie Crowder (Art Teacher, Valerie Evans (cafe), and Blake Mogel (CIS). Team work makes the dream work! We are stronger together!
- Huge shout-out to the staff at Westover Hills ES. Their leadership dreams big and the custodial staff and secretary really stepped up to make the drive-through happen. Patty King, Pam Williams, Sharon Epps, and Julie Lawson are the embodiment of doing hard work for our kids.
- I would like to give a shout to my awesome co-worker at Mary Scott Preschool, Patricia Bonner. I lost my cell phone, which I also use for work. She and her family assisted in locating, securing, and returning my phone. Thank you so much!!
- Shout out to Christina Schlegel, a 2nd grade teacher at Miles Jones Elementary School, for hosting a virtual class movie night! The students, their siblings, and parents attended. Each student had to make a movie ticket to attend. They enjoyed popcorn and a great movie. What fun for the families! The students kept asking to do it again.
- I want to take a moment to shout out the Wythe LIEP team: Lily, Mirjahangiri, Lariza Gregory, Sarrina Arsenault, Abi Santos-Rios, John Theo, Shenitha Holmes, Jacob Neal-Helt, Dana Peagler, Lara Coggin, Julie Stirrup, Summer Tisone. I am so proud and humbled by this team's passion, diligence, dedication, drive and LOVE for their profession, their students and their families, and for each other. I truly believe we hit the jackpot with this group of dedicated professionals! #WytheLIEPStrong #RPSExcELLence
- I would like to send a shout out to my son’s teacher, Mrs. Charlotte Hayer at Richmond Community High. While talking with her during my Parent Conference, I mentioned my son’s birthday was coming up. She sent him a card in the mail for his birthday. That was so sweet of her to do and it really made his day. I just want to thank her for going above and beyond to make him feel special.
- I would like to send a huge shout out to Angela Delaney, Nakisha Winston, Sherita Holoman, Antinita Marrow, Linda Brooks, James Boone, Brandon Waddell, and Suporia Seaborne at G. H. Reid Elementary. They have worked tirelessly to get the teachers and students what they need. We appreciate you all more than you know!
- I would like to send a big shout out to Sabrina Evans at Southampton Elementary. She’s exceptional when it comes to sharing her love for her students and making them feel special. She’s extremely patient and full of energy each day. Her enthusiasm makes for a wonderful day!
- I’d like to send out a big shout out to Dana Boscana. She’s truly a jewel when it comes to sharing her expertise amongst her colleagues. She doesn’t mind putting others before herself.
- We want to recognize Dr. A (Principal Atkinson) at PHSSA for all her hard work making virtual school easier. She personally called to ensure we were prepared with a device, has handed out supplies and laptops, and has always been available, keeping us updated during this challenging time. Thank you to the hard working 4th grade team at PHSSA for all they do! Ms. Schwartz is patient, kind and organized. She’s great at keeping the class engaged. Ms. Starke ensures participation and inclusion with student greetings and creative assignments. Mr. Schwartz secures understanding with thoughtful encouragement, involving each student in working math problems. We can tell our teachers and faculty care about each student and work hard to help them succeed.
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Calendar Reminder – All RPS schools and offices will be closed Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday for Thanksgiving. Please note that we'll be providing double meals tomorrow. For more information, please go to www.rvaschools.net/meals.
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| Winter Break Meal Packs – All RPS schools will be closed for Winter Break from December 21 through January 1. Because we will not have meal distribution during this time, we're taking pre-orders for FREE 5-day meal packs. Each pack will include 5 breakfasts and 5 lunches, and families can order one or two packs. Here's how:
- Online: English or Español
- Phone: (804) 780-6195
- In-Person: At all meal drop-off locations
The deadline to order is November 30. Please visit our website for additional information.
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Open Enrollment – Don't forget that the deadline to apply for out-of-zone schools and specialty schools is December 1 at 4:30 pm. To learn about the different programs at our schools, check out our Virtual School Tour. Please also take a look at our Enroll RPS videos in our Family Academy Virtual Library.
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| DonorsChoose Bonus – On Tuesday, December 1 (Giving Tuesday), donations to DonorsChoose projects will be DOUBLED. So a $20 donation instantly becomes a $40 donation! Whether you need books or educational software, now is a great time to create a project on DonorsChoose. For community members who would like to support RPS projects on Giving Tuesday, please consider donating here!
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| Civic Voices Town Hall – Please join us via the RPS Facebook page at 6 pm on Wednesday, December 2, for our next RPS Civic Voices Town Hall. The event will be moderated by our very own Mr. Rodney Robinson and will feature RPS educators, community leaders, and advocates engaging in a discussion about recruiting and investing in male teachers of color.
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| Flu Vaccinations – The Richmond City Health District is hosting its next flu clinic on Wednesday, December 2, from 1 - 4 pm, at Huguenot HS. Please see the flyer below for additional information.
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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.
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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!
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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
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