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| Dear #RPSStrong Family,
As I have shared previously, given our unyielding commitment to educational equity, we're working furiously to provide computers and internet access to any RPS students who need them. If your child needs these resources, please complete this survey as soon as possible.
We are advertising the survey in English and Spanish via texts, robo-calls, social media, traditional media, and – starting tomorrow – in-person at our food distribution sites. Still, we recognize that these communication channels don't reach everyone, so please share this information with your networks. Thank you!
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- I want to give a shout out Mrs. Paola Valencia-Rojas from Southampton Elementary School!! I am a teacher at Southampton and I am so blessed to have Mrs. Valencia's assistance with my ESL students. She assists me with explanation and communication with my ESL students parents. We have worked together to get message requests in class dojo, email, Uniwue curriculum, and now ABCMouse.com translated. Thank you Mrs. Valencia for all your help and continued support to ensure our students needs are met!
- I would like to shout out Ms. Burrows, the 7th grade history teacher at Lucille Brown Middle School. She’s been sending my daughter little encouraging letters and cards that say the sweetest things ever. The letters she is sending make my daughter feel special and support her confidence. Ms. Burrows really loves my daughter and my daughter loves her, too. She provided her email address for my daughter to contact her for extra help and work. I truly love how she cares for my daughter and I appreciate her so much.
- Huge shout out to Ms. Dunn at Mary Munford who has carefully created and curated 10 weeks of material for all of her fourth graders, color coded (of course) with birthday celebration notes, student of the week call outs, and inspirational quotes along the way. With packet in hand, we got a big sigh of relief from our fourth grader (and her parents). Feeling the love.
- We are so thankful for Ms. Eck, third grade teacher at Fox Elementary! She has been keeping up with my daughter's class with the "ClassTag" app, set up a Google Classroom, holds Zoom meetings every week and just posted a read aloud!! Ms. Eck has done a great job keeping her kids learning and making sure each one of them knows that they are missed and LOVED! Thank You Ms. Eck!
- To the entire Binford Middle School community and staff, Thank you so much for your tireless efforts and Binford Pride! Included but not limited to: Principal Rickey, Vice Principal Walker, Mr. Chapman, Ms. Barr, Ms. Perkinson. GO BINFORD DANCE COMPANY!! Mr. Amos GO HOUSE ZENERGY!!!!!
- I want to shout out a few teachers who have made activity/fitness videos and they are a hit with their communities! Nate Galloway (Westover) and Erika Elford (Redd).
- Chris Lombardi, fifth grade teacher at Mary Munford Elementary, has been holding daily Zoom classes (students work on assignments in math, science, social studies and reading) and are able to ask and answer questions and interact (for an hour). His teaching is creative and a boost for morale. Thanks Mr. Lombardi!
- E.D. Redd school team for creating a virtual spirit week for staff and students to keep in touch. WAY TO GO REDD!!! #PrideInThePack
- Ms. A. Goode at Westover Hills has gone above and beyond. Calling to check on students, providing lessons and activities, providing a family in need with meals. WAY TO GO, Ms. Goode!!!
- Shout out to 1st year teacher Ms. Rowe from Cary: She posted a homework packet focusing on letter review, and addition and subtraction, on her Dojo page. She then posted a 7 min video showing parents how she would break down reviewing addition and subtraction. At 8pm Monday night, she will do a zoom call for any parents that want to discuss the homework packet or any other resources she has posted. While she does love when her students FaceTime her, Zoom will give the parents and students opportunities to be together again, even if on a computer screen.
- I want to give a shout-out to Megan Petzold, third grade teacher at Southampton. She is an amazing teacher and goes out of her way to show her love and support for all the students in our school. This week she has organized a school wide spirit week to keep everyone connected and their spirits lifted. Seeing all of the crazy hat pictures today really made my day! #tigerstogether
- Ms. Lictman is a collab 1st grade teacher from Linwood Holton Elementary. She ordered and sent each one of her students books, educational activities and games directly to their homes via mail. She calls her students each day to check in and provide mini lessons. She continues to participate in IEP meetings as the teams meet on Zoom. She is awesome!!
- I would like to shout out Ms. Schwarz at Mary Munford Elementary school. She has hosted a zoom daily since school has been out. It keeps the kids connected not only her, but to each other. She set up Google classroom and a homebound curriculum that makes it easy for parents to assist in learning, especially while we are learning (and not to mention working from home). Ms. Schwarz has been in constant communication with parents and has been willing to help however possible. I really can’t thank her enough for making such a life altering experience less earth moving!
- I would like to give Shout-Out to Broad Rock teachers for driving through the students' neighborhood on last Friday. They circled around my neighborhood not once but twice! I also want to thank Ms. Powers in 2nd grade for writing a personal letter to my son. She also included a stamped envelope for him to write her back. So special. Thank You, Broad Rock Family.
- I want to give a SHOUT OUT to all of our Exceptional Education Teachers who continue to engage in Professional Learning opportunities during school closure. As of today we have had 60 Teachers to sign up for webinars being offered this week as well as several who have reached out asking for additional opportunities for learning and growth. Way to go, RPS EXCEPTIONAL EDUCATORS!!
- Here's a shout out for the entire Chimborazo staff - all the teachers and staff donated unused bottles of hand sanitizer, wipes, and gloves to the First Responders and Medical Personnel that are running low.
- Maranda Miller and Rickell Hill did an outstanding job getting the Cary parade together in one week!! 100% of Cary staff & support staff were in attendance on Friday! Ashley Bland and Angela Wright are leading a Zoom teacher conference on Wednesday! Precious Rowe has a Kindergarten Zoom classroom instruction today! Hats off to the Cary Exceptional Education Team (Ryan Bennett, Grace Giampietro, and Montoia Bond) for three successful virtual IEP meetings last week with 100% parent participation and support staff participation!
- I will like to shout out the staff at Barack Obama Elementary School. I can’t pick just one person because everyone their are wonderful. This is my son's last year and we are going to miss everyone. From the principal Mrs. Moore and Asst Principal Mrs. Drye to the teachers, Mrs. Thomas and the all the 5th grade teachers, thank you for everything.
- I am truly appreciative of our RPS Payroll team. I am certain their days are long and tiring...I just want to give them praise and acknowledge their hard work for our entire district.
- I would like to give all the front line bus operators a BIG SHOUT OUT!!! Thank you for going into our neighborhoods and distribution locations without ever missing a beat. You never wavered under pressure of the circumstances you were confronted with and your Supervisors would like to salute you and all the RPS FAMILY. WE ARE ALL ONE..I am so proud of everyone pulling together during this critical time in all of our lives. Again many, many, many thanks to so many.
- Our family wanted to send a note of thanks to Ms. Miller at Maymont who has checked on us by both email and phone. My son LOVED getting to talk to her on the phone last week.
- Mrs. Price and Ms. Drieling, 5th grade teachers at PHSSA. Our son has felt connected to school during this time through the efforts of the teachers, whether in a zoom chat, Google classroom postings or conversations...First and foremost, the teachers have stressed the importance of the mental health and well-being for the children, and for our families. They are handling this situation with grace and ease, despite the many responsibilities of their own families and classwork. In times of crisis character is amplified, and a shout out to all #PHSSA staff who are showing what we already knew: they are awesome and we are a family united.
- All of my sons' teachers at PHSSA - Ms. Price, Ms. Drieling, Ms. Durham, Ms. Wampler, Ms. Brent and Ms. Zora have been amazing. All have sent home ample work, answered lots of questions from me! (Thank you Ms. Price and Ms. Drieling!) and Ms. Durham (first grade) is making sure her work is accessible to all learning styles by making zoom meetings with the class! Ms. Zora has checked in with us and Ms. Brent and Ms. Wampler have sent home packets that I can do with my youngest, ensuring that his different learning needs are continually met.
- I have to say Mrs. Jackson from Lucille Brown really knows how to...make you feel you and your child is her #1. With everything that is going on, that is all that matters to a parent. Mrs. Jackson is great at being a mother HEN...... her best quality.
- I would like to give a shout out to J. B. Fisher Principal Mr. Walton. My son's 6th birthday was on Saturday and we were unable to celebrate with family and friends but my son was very happy when his principal called and wished him a happy birthday.
- I would like to give a shout out to Ms. Gilboy, 1st grade teacher at Broad Rock. This is her first year teaching and my heart just goes out to her because I know she had so many expectations for her first year and for this to happen must have been devastating. But through it all she has just been so supportive of her students, and my daughter Taylor adores her. Ms. Gilboy, just keep doing what you are doing. We love it! And to all the first year teachers at RPS, this will make you even stronger! Broad Rock we Rock!
- We would like to shout out Ms. Wilson and Ms. Meek, 7th grade science teachers at Albert Hill Middle School. They have been sending assignments and helping our students through Google Classroom. They have also been incorporating weekly Zoom meetings along with weekly review and Kahoot. My daughter loves school and loves learning. The Zoom meetings have been a blessing for her. We are so thankful for both Ms. Wilson and Ms. Meek for keeping her connected to her teachers and peers. Thank you, Ms.Wilson and Ms. Meek, You Rock!
- I want to shout out Ms. Thompson at G. W. Carver for constantly checking on me, being a 12-month staff person out on FMLA due to surgery, just to check to see if I need anything. Her empathy is an example of caring that RPS represents!
- Big shout out to Ms. Monique Sims for leading a SPACE class for some Holton Elementary Second Graders!! To witness my son’s excitement to see his classmates and participate in a group learning activity was AWESOME!! What some would consider a challenge of leading a group of remote super excited 2nd graders, she did with grace and expertise!!
- Ryan Bennett, Exceptional Education Teacher at Cary...continues to provide high quality specially designed instruction for students with an Individual Educational Plan (IEP)! We also want to give thanks to our wonderful and amazing ITRT Stacy Green for the lesson she leads in class and PDs she offers to teachers...One team One Dream.
- I'd like to give a huge shout out to Principal Latonya Waller for creating an efficient and well organized process at Boushall to meet the needs of her families. The positive energy and warmth could be felt during every interaction with their families. Over 225+ food bags were given out by noon and 500 more bags were on the bus to be distributed. A big thank you to Marquita Ridley, June Jeter, Janice Kane, Joyce Callahan and Cassandra Staples, Food & Nutrition Staff for putting together the food bags for our families. The following staff members were working directly with supporting families: Barbara Haas, Joi Thomas, Ms. Fiero, Officer Carter, Mr. Toombs, Mr. Williams, Mrs. Jones, Ms. Pacheco. Way to Go Eagles!
- I want to give a big shout out to Mrs. White & Mr. Seifert, our 3rd grade teachers at Westover Hills. Both have held online meet-ups for the whole class to get together and have provided lots of cool lessons to keep everyone learning. Mrs. White is doing an awesome daily read-along and hosting “morning meetings” online that help us keep our routine. Mrs. Barker, Mrs. Gentry and Coach G have also posted lots of great library, music and PE activities on ClassDojo. Also, shout out to Principal El Koubi and all the WHES staff that brightened our week with their awesome parade last Friday. We loved it so much we ran across the neighborhood so we could see them twice. Thanks WHES!
- Ms. Dennis, Miles Jones, 3rd grade. She has been helpful by giving weekly lesson and goes above and beyond to answer and help parents.
- The Office of Engagement would like to shout out the following volunteers for their consistent and dedicated service during mobile meal distribution: Heidi Abbott, Olivia Arvizú, Alex Bailey, Paige Bailey, Mario Brown, Jr., Rakeisha Brown, Kirsten Buist, Courtney Chmielewski, Nikita Cooke, Emma Cox, Mason Davenport, Madeline Doane, Akilah Fields, Anne Forrester, Boyd Hatchel, Kelly Harrington, Dawn Hayes, Faith Hecht, Lauren Hecht, Aaron and Vangie Hendrickson, Lexee Holland, Lauren Hosman, Gabriela Leon, Emily Lopynski, Meghan McPherson, Kristina Mitchell, Natalie Newfield, Robert Nickles, Melissa Oliver, Grace Oliver, Alison Owens, Lynette Plummer, Terri Pollard, Austin Rakes, Anna Ralph, Rosa Roncales, Cierra Sowers, Lizzie Trumbo, Kim Villamera, Meredith Voelz, Erin Wall, Keith Washington, Bernita Williams, and Tiont Williams.
- I would like to give a great big shout out to my son's teachers, Miranda Miller and Ketia Singleton from John B. Cary. These teachers are providing engaging and interactive lessons daily through Class Dojo. They have combined classes and are working as a team. Mrs. Miller has just launched her reading of the book The One and Only Ivan, and Mrs. Singleton has connected with several students via HouseParty. Hats off to these amazing educators!
- Shout out to Lakeisha Luster, Jamal Shabazz, Linda Neal, and Vernon Hills from our Transportation Team who are helping get our academic work packets to schools where they are needed – and picking up safety goggles from our middle and high schools so we can donate them to VCU to help our community’s medical supply needs.
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Food – Our food distribution program WILL continue next week, even though it is technically spring break on our calendar. Thank you in advance for helping spread the word!
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Learning at Home – As a reminder, you don't need to figure this out on your own. We have a TON of resources on our website. Big thanks to the entire academic team for pulling everything together so quickly. Check it out here!
"Mr. K's 30 Minutes of Math!"– Check out my math lessons at 2 pm every weekday. All you have to do is click here! I'm focusing on fractions, but every lesson also includes a Math Joke of the Day and a Math Riddle of the Day (see below).
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Wishtree Read-Aloud – Our celebrity reader for Chapters 23-25 is Jon Lugbill, Executive Director of Sports Backers. Thank you, Jon, for taking the time to do this! If you'd like to go back and watch the earlier chapters, just click here.
With great appreciation,
Jason
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Note: Newly added questions are in orange.
Coronavirus/COVID-19 in Richmond
Closure
- How long are we closed? For the remainder of the school year.
- Will we need to go to school in the summer, and will next school year start early or end late? Possibly. We're exploring these options now and we'll be seeking your feedback very soon.
- Are events run by external organizations that rent space at schools (like churches for Sunday services) cancelled? Yes. ALL activities are cancelled.
- When can students/families and staff pick up personal items from school buildings? Principals will be reaching out to their school communities about specific days/times when individuals can come to retrieve essential personal items.
Food
- Which schools have food available for pick-up? Southside: Boushall MS, Broad Rock ES, George Wythe HS, Miles Jones ES, Reid ES; East End: Armstrong HS, MLK MS; Northside: Ginter Park ES; West End: Binford MS, Carver ES
- Is RPS also delivering food directly into neighborhoods? Yes! We are using our buses to deliver food to 34 locations around the city. Click here for all the details.
- Can students pick up food without their parent/caregiver being present? Yes.
- Can parents/caregivers pick up food without their student being present? Yes.
- If I want to help in some way, what should I do? Please fill out this Google Form so we can follow up with you. Thank you!
Academics – Online Learning
- Where do I find the "Learning at Home" section of the RPS website? Just click here.
- What should I do if I don't have internet access? Please call Comcast at 855-846-8376 (English) or 855-765-6995 (Spanish) to get 60 days of FREE internet.
- What should I if I don't have a computer for my child or can't get internet access? Please fill out this survey. We are working to provide computers and internet access to any RPS student who needs them.
Academics – Graduation
- Will current high school seniors who were on track to graduate when we closed still get their diplomas this year? Yes! The Virginia Department of Education has just clarified that these students WILL graduate this year.
- What about graduation ceremonies? Prom? Unfortunately, we will not be able to hold these events when they were scheduled. That said, we're exploring rescheduling them for the summer or fall, as we know how important they are to our students and families.
Academics – Other
- Will students be held back a year because of the closure? No. But we may need to start next school year early and/or end late.
- How will grades be calculated for the 3rd marking period? We're looking at a number of options, which we'll share soon for feedback.
- Will students need to take SOLs? No.
- Where do I go to find all the Wishtree read-aloud videos? Right here!
Communications
- What is the RPS website address? www.rvaschools.net
- Can anyone receive my daily RPS Direct emails? Yes. ANYONE can sign up here.
- Are these messages available in other languages? Yes. They're all posted on our website, which has an auto-translate function for dozens of languages. The translate button is on the top right of the menu bar.
- Does RPS have any guidance on how to talk about the coronavirus with children? Yes. Please click here for a number of resources.
Other
- If I want to volunteer, what should I do? Please sign-up here. Thank you!
- If I want to donate, what should I do? Click here to go to the donation page of the Richmond Public Schools Education Foundation. Thank you!
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Note: Newly added questions are in orange.
Health
- What should I do if I have a question about my benefits? Please call 804-780-7859. And if you have any other concerns, please reach out to me directly at jkamras@rvaschools.net. I want to make sure you have all the information and support you need during this difficult time!
- Where can I get mental health support? Mental health support is provided through our Cigna Employee Assistance Program. To access it, call 877-622-4327 or visit www.mycigna.com. “RPS” (without the quotes) is our Employer ID.
- Where can I get mental help support for someone not covered by our plan? The Richmond Behavioral Health Authority (RBHA) provides support to anyone in Richmond. Please call 804-819-4000 for assistance.
- What should I do if I know someone who is thinking about harming themselves? Please immediately call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255 or visit www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org.
Pay
- Who will be paid during the closure? ALL RPS employees will continue to be paid during the entirety of the closure. That includes full-time, part-time, and hourly employees.
- Are long-term subs included? Yes!
- What about contracted personnel, like 1:1 aides? We are working to make sure these individuals get paid as well. It's just a little tricker since they're not RPS employees. I should have more information on this soon.
- Will teachers still get "spread pay" this summer? Yes. Just as always, our 9.5 and 10-month employees will receive their “spread pay” during July & August, and our 11-month employees will receive theirs in July.
Other Matters
- Will I get back the leave I was scheduled to take after we closed on March 13? Yes! In fact, we have already returned all of it.
- Since we aren't having an in-person transfer fair, what should I do if I want to transfer to a different school next year? We are working on a virtual solution.. As soon as we have the details worked out, I'll share them in my RPS Direct.
- What should I do if I need to renew my license? Though we are technically closed, you can still send in your licensure renewal paperwork to Deborah Dailey, our Licensure Specialist. Use this address: Talent Office – 15th Floor, Attention Deborah Dailey, 301 N. 9th Street, Richmond, VA 23219. You can also email Deborah at ddailey@rvaschools.net.
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