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| Wednesday, November 4, 2020
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| Dear #RPSStrong Family,
What a night/morning/day! I'll have more reflections regarding the election tomorrow. For now, just one thought: whether you lean left or right, let's agree that nothing could better honor our nation's highest ideals than counting every single vote cast. I hope and pray that every state does so over the coming hours and days.
Turning to RPS, Board Vice-Chair Cheryl Burke and I had the honor today of surprising four of our teachers at their homes with the news that they won a 2020 R.E.B Award for Teaching Excellence. Congratulations to the following RPS superstars!
- Arianna Trickey, Swansboro Elementary School
- Gilbert Carter, Jr., Franklin Military Academy
- Jonathan Metcalf, Franklin Military Academy
- Ridgely Carter-Minter, Woodville Elementary School
The R.E.B. Award for Teaching Excellence, administered by the Community Foundation, is one of the highest honors a central Virginia teacher can earn. It's also one of the coolest awards I've ever come across in education. The winners receive several thousand dollars to travel anywhere in the world to learn more about their subject matter and bring that learning back to their students. For example, here's what our winners will be doing with their awards:
- Ms. Trickey received $11,500 to better understand how endangered ecosystems across North America, and their inhabitants, adapt to environmental changes.
- Mr. Carter received $7,800 to explore the cultural and mathematical foundations of domestic and international botanical gardens.
- Mr. Metcalf received $7,900 to immerse himself in the culture and history of the Basque Country.
- Ms. Carter-Minter (pictured below) received $7,400 to conduct language research in Casablanca and Granada for a children's book she's writing.
Finally, don't forget to tune in for RPS Live! tonight at 7 pm on the RPS Facebook page for a discussion with Mr. Rodney Robinson, RPS Senior Advisor and 2019 National Teacher of the Year, about a new program we're launching to retain, support, and attract male teachers of color. Hope you can join!
With great appreciation,
Jason
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- Big thanks to Tomeka Liggans and Michae Jamison at River City for their leadership with exceptional education this first quarter. RPS case managers have had their hands full navigating an ever-changing landscape. Ms. Liggans and Ms. Jamison have provided kind accountability and guidance. They are listening to concerns and welcoming feedback. Go, Red Tails!
- River City pride and praise for Rusty Crostic! Mr. Crostic has stepped up to help his colleagues by adding to his own workload without complaint. Thank you, Crostic!
- A huge River City Red Tails shout out to Coach Mack from way back! He meets every challenge with determination and kindness. He brings joy to every day and never stops learning. He sends special cards to students each week and he lifts up everyone around him. Coach Mack is the embodiment of leading, teaching, and learning with love.
- Dr. Probst and all of the Blackwell Preschool Center staff are doing an amazing job of fostering excitement and diligence within our students and parents every day!!!!
- I would like to give Damien Letwich from Technology Services a big shoutout for spending so much time and energy making sure my computer is prepared to meet the needs of virtual teaching. I ended up needing to meet with him three times over the past two weeks to get everything working. He was very friendly and helpful. Damien even personally delivered my computer to my school when it was ready. I am so grateful. Teaching virtually is a challenge, but it wouldn't be possible without great people like Damien supporting teachers!
- We want to shoutout Ms. Tarnee Hudson, assistant principal at Miles Jones, who has been a constant source of support and encouragement for staff throughout this virtual learning experience. She keeps us going during staff community circles and provides us with positivity, affirmations, and ideas that we can then pour into the students. Thank you, Ms. Hudson, for consistently telling us that what we do matters, and for showing us how much you care!
- I want to give a shout out to Karey Calhoun at J.L. Francis Elementary. She has been my therapy and support system after hours. I can always call her whenever I am stressed or confused. Most of the time we are confused together but she will take the time to help me figure it out. There have been many times where I wanted to give up but with her continued support I've been able to push on and keep moving. Thank you for being my rock, my friend, and my support.
- I want to give a shout out to the J.L. Francis Elementary kindergarten team: B. Harris, A. Lemus, A. Duncan, C. Thompson, and N. Snyder. They work very hard and are always available to meet and collaborate to make things better for our students. They will even show up on a Saturday to pass out supplies to kindergarten students or even drive to their students' homes and drop off supplies. Thank you, ladies, for being true team players, always having an open mind, being energetic, and having a loving heart.
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| Open Enrollment – We are now accepting applications for out-of-zone schools, specialty schools, and Governor's Schools for the 2021-22 school year. Please note that the deadline is December 1.
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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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