| Wednesday, April 17, 2024
| |
| Dear #RPSStrong Family,
Tonight's updates:
| |
|
School Librarian Spotlight – April is School Library Month so we're highlighting some of our fabulous school librarians! For Cardinal ES Librarian Lindsey Ribble, one of the best things about books is that they can offer both "window" and "mirror" experiences to readers. "Sometimes you need to see your own experience reflected back at you and sometimes you need to be able to look into the world of someone else. If there aren't enough diverse characters or perspectives or authors, there's no room for growth and not everyone is able to have the mirror that they may need." When asked which literary character she relates to the most, she shared: "I've always loved Roald Dahl, so as a child I think I really identified with Matilda and her love of reading and learning (and I always wished I could read enough to get her magic!). These days, I think I can identify with her teacher, Ms. Honey, since I now get to encourage a love of learning and reading with my students every day."
| |
|
YAVA Awards – This Saturday, April 20, from 12 - 4 pm, the Richmond Public Library (Main Branch) will host the Young Adult Virginia Author awards, which highlight excellence in writing for readers at the middle and high school level by Virginia authors. This is the library's biggest teen event, so be sure to stop by and meet your favorite Virginia authors of young adult literature, enjoy music and snacks, and, best of all, learn the winner of this year's YAVA Award! Registration is not required but highly encouraged.
| |
|
Richmond Book Festival – Lois Harrison-Jones ES will host the third-annual Richmond Book Festival on Saturday, April 27, from 11 am - 3 pm at Lois Harrison Jones ES (3021 Maplewood Ave). The festival will be an immersive celebration of literature and creativity, and a fun-filled day of literary exploration, family-friendly activities, and community spirit. Be sure to bring your friends, family, and a love for books! This event is free and open to the public. For more information, please email Janina King-Poulin.
| |
|
With great appreciation,
Jason
| |
|
|
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!
- Lt. Nious is an amazing care and safety associate. He never hesitates to offer guidance and a helping hand at Boushall. He is truly a blessing in our division.
- A huge shout-out to Officer Brooks for helping students work through conflict in a peaceful and respectful manner. You are such a great addition at Carver Elementary, today and every day!
- Thank you to Mr. Corbett at Carver for helping out when we were shorthanded at Carver Elementary today! You are awesome, and I love how willing you are to just step in and help out!
- I would like to shout-out Mr. Marcus Cherry, our fourth grade teacher at E.D. Redd ES, for implementing and executing our first "Lion Bowl." This was a flag football game between the staff and 5th grade students. This collaboration was amazing as students and staff received personalized t-shirts that enhanced school morale. The camaraderie, laughs, and excitement filled the entire school. Surprisingly, the staff was victorious with a final score of 13-6. Fourth graders, get ready for next year!
- Way to go, Terry Zenon, Kenyodda Sykes, and Anne Dunn, for their exceptional dedication to student success and vocabulary knowledge, making them the top Flocabulary teachers for March! Congratulations to Blackwell ES, Albert Hill MS, and Fox ES for leading the way as the top schools! RPS students completed over 35,000 activities in Flocabulary during March!
- March has seen remarkable engagement and learning through Nearpod with nearly 43,000 activities submitted by RPS students. Big thanks to the incredible efforts of Basil Hatcher, Kevin Lovett, and Jacob Neal-Helt –our top Nearpod teachers! Hats off to our top schools – River City MS, Huguenot HS, and Henderson MS – for their outstanding commitment to interactive and immersive learning experiences with Nearpod!
- Shout-out to Marcus Cherry, 4th grade teacher at Elizabeth Redd Elementary School. Mr. Cherry organized the first "Lion Bowl," a flag football game between 5th grade students and staff. The game was such a success, and our students all had a wonderful time. Congratulations to Mr. Cherry for making a vision become a reality.
- Congratulations to Dr. Kira Austin for earning the prestigious Virginia Public Schools Behavior Analyst Network (VAPSBAN) Practitioner of the Year Award! The VAPSBAN is a statewide organization dedicated to behavior analysts who specialize in working within school settings. This esteemed award recognizes practitioners, including BCBA, BCaBA, RBT, and BCBA-D, who maintain good standing with the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) and demonstrate exceptional commitment to students in Virginia schools. Their contributions to the field of behavior analysis through practice, teaching, research, and service delivery are truly commendable. Congratulations, Dr. Austin, on this remarkable achievement! Your dedication and exemplary work in directly supporting students in RPS has not only made a positive impact on their lives but also contributed significantly to the advancement of behavior analysis. We applaud your outstanding contributions and applaud your well-deserved recognition. Your commitment to excellence sets an inspiring example for all of us.
| |
| Reminders from Previous RPS Directs
| |
| Summer Bridge Program – This summer, we're holding our first-ever Summer Bridge program! Rising 9th grade students are encouraged to register for this unique opportunity to experience high school prior to beginning classes in the fall. The Summer Bridge program will run from July 15 - July 18 at Dogwood MS and River City MS. The deadline to register is Friday, May 17.
| |
| Mental Health Support – The events of the past couple of weeks are incredibly traumatic, especially for children. If you or a young person in your life is struggling to cope, I urge you to access the resources listed below.
- Students who need emergency mental health support should call the Richmond Behavioral Health Authority at (804) 819-4100 or the ChildSavers Immediate Response line at (804) 305-2420 (or send a text to 741741).
- RPS employees in need of emergency support should contact the Cigna 24/7 Crisis Line at (833) ME-CIGNA, or (833) 632-4462. Additional counseling and support services are also available through the Cigna Employee Assistance (EAP) program by calling (800) 544-6931.
- Spanish speakers affected by violence are encouraged to contact the Latinos in Virginia Empowerment Center at (888) 969-1825.
- Any community member impacted by gun violence can reach out to the Trauma Healing Response Network, a coalition of grassroots, community-based organizations and mental health partners. The network can also facilitate the distribution of emergency relief funds to help those in crisis. For more information, email traumahealingresponsenetwork@gmail.com.
| |
|
Firearm Safety – If you own a firearm, please make sure it's stored safely. More than half of all owners of firearms in the US – including 55% of gun owners with children in the home – do not practice safe firearm storage. As a preventative measure, Lock & Talk Virginia provides free trigger locks for firearms. To receive one, please email Charlene Edwards at RBHA or stop by VCU Pediatrics (1000 E. Broad St).
| |
| #TeachWithLove at RPS – We're thrilled to offer signing bonuses of up to $7,000 for new hires starting in the fall! If you or someone you know is interested in joining the RPS team, please take a moment to visit our website to browse open positions. For more information, please email talentoffice@rvaschools.net.
| |
| RPS Links
Crisis Support Links
Health and Wellness Links
| |
|
|
|
