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Dear #RPSStrong Family,
Tonight's updates:
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School Board Meeting – The School Board will hold an in-person meeting tonight at 6 pm at River City MS. You can watch the livestream of the meeting in English or Spanish. Hope to see you there!
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Dreams4RPS – We've got several Dreams4RPS community meetings scheduled this week, including our first virtual town hall tomorrow, December 5, at 6 pm. You can also join us on Wednesday, December 6, at 6 pm at Ginter Park Presbyterian Church (3601 Seminary Ave), and for our special Alumni Town Hall on Thursday, December 7, at 6 pm at the VCU Health Hub (1330 N. 25th St). Visit our website to find a meeting location near you!
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Inclusive Schools Week – This is Inclusive Schools Week, a time to highlight the progress we've made implementing inclusive practices and reflect on what more we can do to ensure every child feels seen and loved for who they are. Teachers, be sure to check out the Inclusive Schools Network's lessons and resources for educators!
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Farm-to-Table Market – Thank you to everyone who joined us for our Farm-to-Table Market at Carver ES last Friday! Be sure to mark your calendars for our next market on Friday, December 15, from 2:30 - 4:30 pm at Woodville ES. Our monthly markets are open to all RPS families so be sure to spread the word. Thank you!
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BOOT Program – The RPS Build Our Own Teachers Program helps our very own instructional assistants and long-term substitutes become licensed teachers. Enormous gratitude to VPM reporter Megan Pauly for her recent coverage of the program!
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RPS Represents – RPS was on full display at the Dominion Energy Christmas Parade this past Saturday. Check out some highlights from the day!
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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 like to give a heartfelt shout-out to all the ICCs who work so diligently to support students, schools and families. They are always learning, always leading with love, and always willing to go the extra mile to ensure all students' needs are met. I would especially like to recognize Ms. Hightower-Hopkins at Fairfield Court Elementary, Ms. Quinn at Armstrong High School, Ms. Fisher at Bellevue Elementary, Ms. Epps at Blackwell Elementary, Ms. Valentine at Chimborazo Elementary, Ms. Vinson at Henderson Middle School, Ms. Liggans at MLK Middle, Ms. Best at Henry Marsh Elementary, Mr. Cartwright at Frances McClenney Elementary, Ms. Bermejo at Westover Hills Elementary, and Ms. Frazier-Jones at Woodville Elementary for their tireless efforts! You are appreciated!
- A big shout-out to Tonisha Royal and Tiffany Parker on Bus 1 for always working in harmony with the staff at Mary Scott Preschool. We appreciate your teamwork! You ladies are awesome!
- A special thank you to Robin Borders, Stephanie Cumberbatch, and Alicia Spurlock for jumping in to help keep the cafeteria clean during breakfast while Ms. Bonnie has been under the weather. These wonderful IAs have truly gone above and beyond demonstrating that teamwork. Thank you, ladies!
- Huge shout-out to the students of Franklin Military Academy who visited the National Museum of African American History and Culture and the Embassy of Spain in Washington, DC. They asked great questions! Also, a special shout-out to the teachers who accompanied the students: Mr. Ash, Mr. Dubinsky, Ms. Loney, Ms. Vernet, Mr. Jamison, and Mr. Anderson. Without your collaboration, this cultural trip would not have been possible.
- I would like to shout-out Judy Deichman, instructional specialist for libraries, for all of her hard work and enthusiasm with the Lit Limo! This weekend, the Lit Limo represented RPS in the Christmas parade and gave out more than 2,000 books! Her dedication to literacy is unparalleled, unrivaled, and uncompromising! We all appreciate you more than you will ever know, Judy, thank you!
- Shout-out to everyone from RPS who participated in the Richmond Christmas Parade this weekend, especially School Board members Stephanie Rizzi and Mariah White, literacy lovers Eboni Massey, Cassandra Bell, and Lynn Plevich, and all of the lovely librarians! You all are amazing!
- Thank you to Mrs. Haskins-Freeman, Ms. Armistead, and Mr. Conyers for chaperoning our field trip to the University of Richmond. Our students were absolutely wonderful. They recieved many compliments from the campus staff and tour guides. They were able to tour the campus and visit many academic buildings, different university facilities, and eat lunch for free in the cafeteria. We were all so proud of each student in attendance. They represented MLK in the best light possible. Go, Titans!
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| Reminders from Previous RPS Directs
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| Energy Assistance – Winter is quickly approaching and we want to make sure all families are prepared for the cold temperatures. Please remember that Dominion Energy has payment programs to assist families experiencing financial hardship. For a full list of Dominion Energy customer assistance options, visit their website or call 866-366-4357.
EnergyShare Bill Payment Assistance
- Anyone needing help to pay heating bills may qualify for assistance
- Not income-based
- Individuals 60 and older, military veterans, and people with disabilities may be eligible for additional assistance
- Offers up to $600 in bill payment assistance from October 1 through May 31
- For more information, visit Virginia 211
Extended Payment Plans
- Extended payment plans to assist customers who have fallen behind on their electric bills
- Eligible customers can make a 50% down payment on their past due bill and spread the remaining balance over 6 months (sign-in to your Dominion Energy account online to apply)
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| Teen Summit RVA – High school students, this one's for you! Mark your calendars for the 2024 Teen Summit RVA leadership conference on February 24. This year's theme – "I Am" – is all about the power of self-affirmation. Registration is free and opens on January 15. To receive event updates, please be sure to complete the interest form.
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| RPS Links
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