| Friday, September 22, 2023
| |
|
Happy Friday! Tonight's updates:
| |
|
| Inclement Weather Update – Due to forecasted inclement weather, all RPS after-school activities are canceled today. Stay safe, RPS!
| |
| Calendar Reminder – All RPS schools and offices will be closed Monday, September 25, in observance of Yom Kippur, the Jewish Day of Atonement. To all who celebrate, I wish you a meaningful fast. We look forward to seeing everyone back in school on Tuesday, September 26!
| |
| Everyday Pro – I'm thrilled to share that we have implemented Everyday Pro, a two-way text-messaging system designed to support families with attendance. Please be sure to update your contact information with your child's school to ensure you receive important messages. If you have any questions or require assistance with accessing resources, please contact our Family Support team at (804) 600-4165. Thank you!
| |
| "If You Give a Child a Book" Campaign – Earlier this week, every 3rd through 5th grade student at Fairfield Court ES received their very own copy of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone. Nearly $17,000 was raised by the CBS 6 community during the Scripps Howard Fund's annual "If You Give a Child a Book" campaign – funding about 2,800 books! Enormous gratitude to CBS 6 anchors GeNienne Samuels and Bill Fitzgerald for stopping by to deliver the books and meet with students.
| |
| Mexican Folk Jarocho – Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with the dances of "Mexican Folk Jarocho" at the Broad Rock Branch (4820 Old Warwick Rd.) of the Richmond Public Library tomorrow, September 23, from 3 - 4 pm!
| |
| 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!
- I just returned from a great back to school night at Henderson Middle School. Huge shout-out to Principal London and his team of amazing administrators, faculty, and staff. I love the energy, attention, and positivity at Henderson – not only from my student’s teachers, but from everyone. I feel like the teachers at Henderson really know my student and care about his success. Go, Warriors!
- I would like to give a huge shout-out to the staff, students, and parents at Woodville Elementary School. Last night's event & PTA meeting was amazing. To see so many staff and parents truly dedicated to our kids education was breathtaking. I know, as Principal Jones said, "this is going to be the best year ever" and I’m here for all of it.
- Thank you to Bridget Davis for your support in the preparation of our custodial training class last night. Thanks to Custodial Supervisors Larry Allen and Charlene Smith for also staying late and assisting with the class.
- I want to give a special shout-out to the Richmond High School for the Arts school counseling team, inclusive of our office associates, bilingual family liason, and attendance team: Ms. Short, Mr. Carias, Mr. Claytor, Dr. Hines, Ms. Stephens, Ms. Wright, Ms. Jones, and Ms. Rhoades. They work extremely hard and have been grinding nonstop to assist our students and teachers with schedules and enrollment. Please join me in showing them some love. Shout-out to Ms. Gray and Ms. Epps of RHSA for working to put on the homecoming parade last week. Students and staff thoroughly enjoyed themselves. You rock! Shout-out to Richmond High School for the Arts math leadership team for working endlessly to ensure students are taking the right courses, SOLs, and receiving high quality instruction! Your efforts are appreciated! Shout-out to Principal Kevin Olds for being personable, having an open door policy, and working endlessly to change the narrative. Your tribe appreciates you!
- I would like to shout-out all of the instructional assistants at William Fox Elementary! Ms. Williams, Ms.Robinson-Yancey, Ms. Hines, Ms. Jordan, and Ms. Moppin...your hard work doesn't go unnoticed! Thank you for being everyone's right hand man, and the student's go-to-person.
- I would like to give a shout-out to Mr. Stoskus, the PE teacher at Lois Harrison-Jones Elementary! He embodies what teamwork and flexibility look like. He steps in without hesitation to assist students and support our staff. His positive attitude and “can do” spirit is contagious and we are so happy to have him here! Thanks for all that you do! Shout-out to Mr. Turner on LHJ's SPED team. He is a phenomenal team player, and goes out of his way, to support my scholars, and I, on a daily basis. I know I can always count on him to jump in and help in a multitude of ways, and the kids adore and respect him so much. Happy and grateful to have him as a part of our team!
- I would like to shout-out Assistant Principal Latoya Graham at Miles Jones Elementary. Mrs. Graham always has a smile and encouraging words to give the students when greeting them in the morning. She listens when a parent has a concern about their child. Thanks, Mrs Graham, for all your help and patience.
- Big shout-out to the faculty and staff at Swansboro ES for putting together such a helpful, resource-rich back to school night. My kids have nothing but the best things to say about every teacher they interact with at SES – I couldn’t agree more! We love our Swansboro family!
- I’d like to shout-out the team at Holton Elementary School for hosting a wonderful back to school night! The teachers and staff worked so hard to make everyone feel welcome and showcase the great work they’re all doing!
- Shout-out to Ms. Tina Burton, English department chair at Huguenot High School. She is a gem! During the last several years, she’s piloted the first SOL boot camps for students at HHS taking their reading & writing end-of-course (EOC) exams...It was because of her that numerous seniors met on-time graduation during the 2022-23 school year. Additionally, she gathered and documented numerous LAVC writing artifacts, she provided academic data for our school review, set up remediation classrooms, and designed resources in person and online for her colleagues. Last year, Ms. Burton mentored a new teacher and is mentoring another this year. She recognizes others’ successes and is a trustworthy confidante...Please take time to thank Ms. Tina Burton and give her her flowers.
- The Bellevue teachers and staff pour into our Bellevue Dragons each and every day! Today, SCAN came to pour into our teachers, with relaxation exercises and self-care activities in our wellness room! Thank you, SCAN – your team is absolutely amazing! Shout-out to our amazing new kindergarten teachers at Bellevue, Ms. Duncan and Mrs. Cook, for planning activities that have their students doing meaningful math activities, while also conducting VKRP testing. It is no easy task to keep 5-year-olds engaged, but they are doing an amazing job!
- Shout-out to Dr. Patricia Aldridge, assistant principal at Boushall Middle School! Dr. Aldridge facilitates meetings in a respectful, collaborative manner, where all team members feel heard and considered. She treats everyone, no matter their role or position, with dignity and kindness. Thank you, Dr. Aldridge, for your leadership and grace, and for valuing all stakeholders. You are greatly appreciated!
- I would like to shout-out all of the long term subs at J.L. Francis Elementary, but especially Ms. Wanda West who has been our annual sub since the dark times of COVID. She is incredibly reliable and most importantly she does an amazing job. When she’s covering a class, the students thrive under her consistency and structure. I’m so grateful for Ms. West!
- Thankful for Principal Tarnee Hudson of Patrick Henry School of Science & Arts, who radiates care, kindness, consideration, professionalism, and organization through her leadership daily! Shout-out to Dr. Nicole Kelly for working tirelessly and thoughtfully to ensure that all assessments run smoothly for the PHSSA Mighty Oaks! Sending a huge thank you to Samantha Phillips who provides a warm welcome and a helping hand to families and staff that enter the main office of Patrick Henry School of Science & Arts.
- I'd like to shout-out Dr. Jose Reveles Ramirez at Huguenot High School. He has taken on the role of 21st Century site coordinator in addition to teaching, and has gone above and beyond to ensure that this program is a success for HHS students. Keep up the great work!
- I'm grateful for the amazing learning community at Amelia Street School where everyone is learning together!
- Shout-out to John Beazley, director of safety and security, for not only leading his department with love, but showing an example of what it is to engage with our scholars in a positive and loving environment. The changes that have taken place in the past few weeks are moving the department in the right direction.
- Shout-out to Principal Nick LeReche at Lois Harrison-Jones! This morning, Principal LeReche was filling in for the crossing guard who was out. I really appreciate him stepping in to handle whichever role needs additional support and I’m sure the kids loved seeing you out there. Thank you for prioritizing your students and their caregivers’ safety!
- I love that my son comes home every day saying he loves school. It is simply because he has the best 2nd grade teacher. Ms. Tam at Holton is an extraordinary teacher!
- Shout-out to Principal Potee at TJHS. Thank you for always inspiring us to do our best for the students. Your passion and dedication to the students and staff have not gone unnoticed! Thank you for leading with love and understanding.
- Shout-out to Ms. Jennifer Johnston from Exceptional Education for all her help and support. Ms. Johnston is a true advocate for equity and best practices for all students.
- Shout-out to Valenta Wade for providing clarification, support and direction when necessary. Hoot Hoot!
- Shout-out to Bellevue's 4th grade science teacher, Ms. Hacker, for making learning hands-on and engaging for her students!
| |
|
- A great time was had by all yesterday at the Hang Out On The Hill! The Bellevue, Chimborazo, and Henry Marsh school communities all came together to enjoy some fellowship as one Church Hill. It was great to see the relationships across schools. I loved seeing school staff interacting with each other and with their students in non-academic ways. Shout-out to 804 Coaches For Change, SCOR, Open Space, First Tee Golf, Blue Sky, AFOI and Community Of Caring for being contributors to the event! East End Principals and School Board Vice-Chair Cheryl Burke (pictured below) looking for ways to show that #WeLoveYouHere!
| |
| Reminders from Previous RPS Directs
| |
| Lunch & Learn – Join us on Monday, September 25, at 12 pm for our next Hispanic Heritage Month virtual lunch & learn session: "Latino/Hispanic/Latinx/Latine: What’s in the Name?" RPS Language Justice Coordinator Luis Martínez Jiménez will provide an overview of the different terms used to identify Latin American individuals and will share more about the context of when these terms are used and by whom. Register here!
| |
| RPS Advisory Councils – Applications are now open to join the 2023-24 RPS Multilingual Learner Success Advisory Council. The council provides space for those most connected to the multilingual learner community to support RPS students and families. Applications are currently available in (English) and (Spanish) with additional languages coming soon. This year, our advisory councils will play an important role in helping develop our new strategic plan, Dreams4RPS 2.0 (more details on that process soon). Please visit our website for additional information.
| |
| Road to Licensure – Join us on the RPS Road to Licensure next Saturday, September 30, from 9 am - 1 pm at Huguenot HS. Learn about the requirements for teacher licensure, participate in onsite interviews, and speak with representatives from RPS and local universities. To sign-up for this wonderful opportunity, click on the flyer or scan the QR code below with your phone's camera.
| |
| Nominate an RPS Principal! – Nominations for the R.E.B. Awards for Distinguished Educational Leadership are now open! Don't miss this opportunity to recognize an amazing RPS principal who demonstrates every day what it means to lead with love. The winning leader will receive a $10,000 award and an additional $20,000 for their school. Submit your nominations by Thursday, November 2 at 5 pm.
| |
| Teach With Love at RPS – We hire all year long so if you know of a great teacher who might like to join the RPS team, please tell them to apply now. We're offering bonuses of up to $12,000!
| |
| Student Wellness and Mental Health Support – Please note the resources below and remember that we love you here and you are not alone.
- 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).
- Latinos in Virginia Empowerment Center provides education, advocacy, and support to Spanish-speaking individuals affected by violence. The 24/7 hotline in Spanish is (888) 969-1825.
- The Trauma Healing Response Network is a coalition of grassroots, community-based organizations and mental health partners that provide support services to families and communities impacted by gun violence. The network can also facilitate the distribution of emergency relief funds to help those in crisis. For more information, email traumahealingresponsenetwork@gmail.com.
- 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.
| |
| RPS Links
Crisis Support Links
Health and Wellness Links
| |
|
|
|
