| Tuesday, November 15, 2022
| |
|
|
Dear #RPSStrong Family,
Before diving into tonight's updates, I'd like to extend my deepest condolences to the friends and families of the three University of Virginia student-athletes whose lives were cut short by a horrific act of gun violence on Sunday evening: Lavel Davis Jr., Devin Chandler, and D’Sean Perry. I would encourage you to take a moment to read UVA's piece on these incredible young men. You can also help support their families via their individual GoFundMe pages found here. Please keep the entire UVA community in your prayers this evening.
| |
| Fall Literacy Festival – Richmond Alternative School is hosting a Fall Literacy Festival this Thursday, November 17. All are invited to enjoy food, games, and, of course, free books from the Lit Limo!
| |
| COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic – Come out to Cardinal ES this Friday, November 18, from 3 - 6 pm, to get your Pfizer or Moderna booster. Be sure to complete this registration form beforehand.
| |
| East End Community Pop-Ups – Our family liaisons held community pop-ups across the East End yesterday with free books, music, games, and popcorn. Many thanks to the students and staff from Armstrong HS, MLK Jr. MS, Fairfield Court, Henry Marsh, and Woodville ES who came out to enjoy each other's company in the brisk fall air!
| |
| With great appreciation,
Jason
| |
|
- I would like to shout-out the custodian at Overby Sheppard, Mr. Robinson. He is always really kind and helpful. He speaks highly to the children to start off their day right with positivity.
- I would like to shout-out Ms. Reed, Ms. Robertson, Ms. Wilson, Ms. Blackstone, Mr. Bigby, and Ms. Williford at Westover Hills Elementary School. They are like the postmen of our school delivering our kids back into our arms each afternoon at dismissal. Rain or shine, wind or snow, they are always smiling and making sure our kids are getting home safely.
- A huge shout-out to the Westover Hills Elementary School staff for keeping all of our children safe during the tornado warnings today – once again serving with love and selflessness. A specific shout-out to Ruth Loepe, the school counselor, as well.
- Monique Harris, guidance counselor at Huguenot High School, deserves a hearty shout-out for her round-the-clock, expert work to support the students on her caseload. She has provided excellent, practical suggestions to teachers and staff to help us all be successful and has stepped up to assist students who are not on her caseload in times of need. Monique is a true team player who gives her all to her Falcon Family.
- I would like to give a shout-out to Wendy Just, our new elementary science specialist. Even though she started her position after the school year began, she has jumped right in and been a great collaborator and supporter for our science needs.
- A huge shout-out to Blackwell Preschool’s aftercare staff! It’s such a joy to work with all of you ladies! You all are awesome!
- I would like to shout-out one very hard-working instructional assistant on our second-grade team at Henry Marsh III ES. Ms. Debrah Walker's work ethic, kindness, resilience, and flexibility have enabled her to serve as substitute in various grades as well! Although some of these positions are difficult, Ms. Walker still completes the tasks required of her and finds positives in everything and in every student she meets. She helped welcome me into RPS and into Henry Marsh with so much love and positive affirmation. For that, I am very grateful to her and I know my second-grade team appreciates her very much. Go, Ms. Walker!!
- Shout-out to Blackwell Preschool’s staff! The staff is always looking out for one another! Teamwork at its best!
- I'd like to thank Kerry Mills from the 1708 Gallery for coming to make lanterns with my scholars at T.C. Boushall Middle School. I am so grateful for such a creative, generous and kind community partner!
- I'd like to send a giant hug to the following T.C. Boushall staff members – Ms. Hayes, Ms. Thomas, Ms. Carver, and Ms. Wills – for all that they did for our scholar to make her feel beautiful! They have the biggest most generous hearts, and it is my privilege to work beside them every day!! There are not enough heart emojis to express my love!!
- I'd like to shout out Mr. Hicks, student intervention liaison, for jumping right in and taking over as Chromebook manager. He is doing a great job!!
- I'd like to thank Carrie Bruner, librarian at Obama Elementary School, for not just sending me a box of books, but a note that made me laugh out loud!! I appreciate you, Carrie. You are smart, beautiful, and hilarious!!!
- I would like to shout-out Mr. Johnson, the music teacher at George Washington Carver Elementary. His Veterans Day program was phenomenal! The students performed beautifully and his video presentation made sure everyone was represented. Mr. Johnson is truly a shining star at Carver.
- I'd like to shout-out Principal Kenya Massenburg at Richmond Community High School. We all know the role of a school principal, educational leader, and school building manager. However, Kenya Massenburg is more than that. She is the school's official cheerleader, advocating and supporting faculty, staff members, and students! Her passion for greatness is infectious, which drives many of us to go above and beyond to ensure student success. This school year, Principal Massenburg's motto is "Stronger, Together," and each day, Principal Massenburg leads, cheers, roots, promotes and champions the way in proving we are indeed Stronger (and Better) Together.
- I would like to give a shout-out to Nurse Kolbe at Woodville Elementary. She has gone above and beyond in helping us with my daughter's asthma action plan and her diabetes management plan. The trust I have in her when it comes to my daughter's health means everything to me.
| |
| 2023-24 School Applications – The application window for families to submit open enrollment, specialty school, and governor’s school applications for the 2023-24 school year is now open via the Enroll RPS Portal. Students may apply for:
- Any specialty school for which they are eligible (specialty schools include Franklin Military Academy, Open High School, Richmond Community High School, Governor’s STEM Academy at Richmond Technical Center, and the IB Diploma Programme at Thomas Jefferson High School (for rising 11th-grade students))
- Out-of-zone schools via the open enrollment lottery (maximum of three school choices)
- Patrick Henry School of Science and Arts (charter school) via a separate open enrollment lottery (if eligible)
- Appomattox Regional Governor’s School and/or Maggie L. Walker Governor’s School (the application for CodeRVA is managed separately by that school)
A few important notes:
- Families will have until 4:30 pm on December 1, 2022, to submit specialty and governor’s school applications, and 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.
- For more information, visit our website or email enrollrps@rvaschools.net if you have additional questions.
| |
| RPS Preschool Enrollment – We still have spots available in our 4-year-old classes at Blackwell Preschool and Mary Scott Preschool! Start your application today or email preschool@rvaschools.net with questions. Don't miss out on these openings!
| |
| Mindfulness Opportunity for RPS Staff – The Innerwork Center is offering another series of free mindfulness courses exclusively for RPS staff beginning December 6. See the flyer for additional information and register today!
| |
| Important Links – Last updated on November 14, 2022.
RPS Links
COVID-19 Links
Crisis Support Links
| |
|
|
|
