| Thursday, January 19, 2023
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Dear #RPSStrong Family,
It is with great sadness that I share with you the sudden passing of Mrs. Janet Zimmerman, the beloved attendance clerk at Woodville ES. A dedicated employee who served over 11 years at Woodville, Mrs. Zimmerman warmed hearts with her cheerful smile, upbeat personality, and compassionate spirit. Today, Woodville students remembered her as a kind and helpful person who comforted them when they were having a challenging day, read to them during lunch as a reading buddy, and gave them treats when they came to the office. Please join me in keeping Mrs. Zimmerman's loved ones in your hearts tonight.
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| Tonight's updates:
2023-24 Calendar and Bell Schedule Survey – The deadline to complete the 2023-24 calendar and bell schedule survey is tomorrow! Your input will be used to draft a calendar for Board consideration at our first meeting in February. All responses will remain anonymous and no personal information will be shared. Thank you!
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| Scholarship Opportunity – The Michael Wassmer Foundation is currently accepting applications a $30,000 college scholarship, created in memory of the late Mike Wassmer by his family. Mike was very active in the community and a strong supporter of Communities in Schools. Learn more about Mike's story and apply by March 15.
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| Teacher Job Fair Event Registration – Registration is now open for our upcoming teacher job fair! If you or someone you know is interested in joining the RPS team, join us on Saturday, February 11, from 9 am - 1 pm, at Martin Luther King, Jr. MS. To register, just scan the QR code below with your phone's camera.
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| With great appreciation,
Jason
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- Shout-out to Ms. Hammond, art teacher at Overby-Sheppard Elementary School. Ms. Hammond creates amazing art projects that include all grades and result in incredible works of art that are second to none! She is an amazing art teacher and her projects always inspire thought and creativity. Thank you, Ms. Hammond, for bringing beauty and wonder to OSES!
- Shout-out to PE teacher Mr. Timothy Pennie at Oak Grove-Bellemeade Elementary School. He goes above and beyond to support the students and staff. He helps daily with morning and afternoon bus duty. He also stays late on Tuesdays and Thursdays to assist with extended day dismissal and walks teachers to their cars to make sure they are safe. Mr. Timothy Pennie, you are truly appreciated at Oak Grove-Bellemeade Elementary School!
- The care and safety associates at Huguenot HS would like to give praise to our wonderful school nursing staff. Thank you for the amazing job that you do daily!
- I'd like to shout-out AP Anderson at Holton ES for being an example of leadership and poise. You are appreciated in many ways!
- Shout-out Mr. Charles Watson with CTE, the Jobs for Virginia Graduates students, and the RTC culinary program. They planned and facilitated a phenomenal mock job interviewing event with students at RTC. It was evident that students were learning real-world skills as a result of Mr. Watson's tireless efforts. The RTC students are so lucky to have him!
- Franklin Military Academy would like to shout-out Ingrid Finney-Reynolds in transportation and Andre Nious for their continuous support in assisting the students and staff at Franklin Military Academy. Your unselfish dedication does not go unnoticed.
- I just wanted to say thank you to Chanell Shaw for her excellent service in maintaining and submitting time to us here in payroll in a very timely manner. Ms. Shaw always submits all her documents very efficiently and so complete that we never have to question anything. In the payroll world, this means everything to us. I greatly appreciate her wonderful standards. Thank you again, Ms. Shaw – you are truly an asset to RPS.
- Kudos to the Linwood Holton assistant principal, Terri Seay-Anderson, who has effortlessly led with love. She has consistently shown up for our students and staff daily. Her ability to navigate Holton's day-to-day issues and tackle challenges with grace and ease is symbolistic of her personality. She has been an added asset to the Holton family since her arrival, and she is most appreciated!
- Big shout-out to Ms. Bre' Koger "Chef Bre" of Jackpot Catering for providing the Mary Scott faculty and staff with a beautifully executed and tasty chicken and shrimp salad during our Get Fit Wellness Wednesday project.
- I would like to give a big shout-out to my Mary Scott Rising Stars for a job well done yesterday during our MLK Jr. peaceful protest celebration. All of the boys and girls did an amazing job displaying and articulating their desired wants based on what's important to them. To Principal Hicks and the faculty and staff, thank you for supporting my vision and thought processes – you truly exemplify our building motto that, "Together everyone achieves more." To Mrs. Chanae Young-McLaughlin (one of our in house photographers), thank you for capturing the moment; you're doing a great job. To Mr. Tristan "Chip" Jackson, RPS photographer and videographer, we so appreciate you coming out and being a part of our sit-in. We can't wait to see all the beautiful smiles and expressions you captured through your lens. Job well done, Mary Scott!
- Thank you, Mr. Norris, for jumping right into the Cary ES community with such willingness! Your kind and easy way is much appreciated, and all your hard work has not gone unnoticed. You go the extra mile with humility, and you bring joy wherever you go. Thank you!
- I would like to shout-out Ms. Brandt, our reading coach for Mary Munford and William Fox. She is amazing!
- An enormous shout-out to Mr. Charles Watson of RTC for organizing and facilitating the mock career interviews held at RTC on January 18! It was an absolute joy to interview such articulate, intelligent, poised and engaging students! Kudos to Mr. Watson and the CTE team for preparing the students so well and for offering them this opportunity to practice and hone their skills. The culinary arts students provided participants with a delicious lunch, which was greatly appreciated. Thank you, Mr. Watson, for such a great experience for all of us!
- Cardinal Elementary has some patient and amazing test proctors, teachers, and IAs wearing many hats! Thank you!
- Shout-out to the leadership team at Cardinal Elementary School: Dr. Abrego, Ms. Holmes, and Mr. Smith! They sure know how to show up and have transparency in their work to help students and teachers grow. It is clear they want all of the young Cardinals doing their best and teachers making their best efforts to educate, remediate, intervene, and accelerate!
- Patrick Henry School of Science and Arts has a team of collaborative instructional assistants who work with students in small groups to target instructional goals. Thank you to Ms. Hall, Mr. Burke, Ms. Walker, Ms. Holland, and Ms. Moore for all of their hard work!
- Shout-out to Ms. Alexandria Dillard, administrative office associate at Boushall Middle School. Every week when I visit Boushall, I'm completely in awe of your highly advanced skills and ability to multitask. You are constantly juggling 100 different things at one time and doing every single thing with grace, professionalism, and the utmost skill. Huge props to you, ma'am!
- Shout-out to Ms. Dorsey, PE teacher, at Miles Jones ES! Ms. Dorsey always has a positive attitude and inspirational message for students and staff! She is a bright light on our campus and I am so thankful for her smile everyday!
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| 2023 Thank a Teacher Art Contest – The Virginia Lottery is calling on K-12 public school students to submit custom artwork for the sixth annual Thank a Teacher Art Contest. One winner will be selected from each level: elementary, middle, and high. The three winners will have their artwork featured on the lottery's 2023 thank you notecards and receive cash prizes! For eligibility requirements, design criteria, and submission guidelines, please view the contest entry guide. All submissions are due by Tuesday, January 31. For questions, please contact Jacqueline Severance at jseverance@valottery.com or 804-692-7418.
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| Open Enrollment Applications – The application window to apply for out-of-zone schools via the Open Enrollment lottery is open through February 1 via the Enroll RPS Portal. This is your opportunity to apply for up to three schools outside of your "zoned school," including Richmond Virtual Academy. (Reminder: This is different from specialty school applications for schools like FMA or Community.)
A few important notes:
- Families will have until 4:30 pm on February 1, 2023, to submit open enrollment applications.
- We unfortunately cannot accept late applications for any reason. Please plan accordingly.
- As long as your application is submitted before the deadline, the timing of your submission will have no impact on the outcome.
- If you have additional questions, please email us at enrollrps@rvaschools.net.
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| R.E.B. Awards for Teaching Excellence – Don't miss the opportunity to nominate your teacher for the R.E.B. Awards for Teaching Excellence! Award winners receive grants up to $15,000 to support any professional learning adventure they wish to pursue – anywhere in the world! Nominations are due by Tuesday, February 21.
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| Important Links – Last updated on November 14, 2022.
RPS Links
COVID-19 Links
Crisis Support Links
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