| Wednesday, January 17, 2024
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Before diving in tonight, I want to acknowledge our release of the independent report on the Monroe Park shooting, prepared by the Sands Anderson law firm. Below is a statement that Chair Rizzi, Vice-Chair Doerr, and I released to the media earlier today.
"The Richmond City School Board and the RPS Administration welcome the release of the Monroe Park shooting report prepared by the Sands Anderson law firm and are grateful for the professionalism and sensitivity with which they conducted their investigation. Transparency is critical for a public entity like RPS and we look forward to sharing the information included in this report.
The Board initially voted not to release the report because, among other things, a majority believed the report included legal guidance that was exempt from release; wanted to uphold the promise of confidentiality made to RPS employees who participated in the investigation, and hoped to avoid taking any action that might jeopardize the ongoing criminal case against the alleged assailant.
We respect the Court’s decision and welcome the opportunity to share the report’s findings. We also acknowledge and respect the minority of the Board that advocated for the release of the report earlier.
Our shared commitment is to learn from this tragedy and continue to improve in order to further safeguard our students and staff. We already have taken several steps, including updating our policies about who can authorize students to participate in a graduation ceremony, revising our security protocols for all student events (including graduations), and investing millions in updated security infrastructure, including cameras, access control systems, metal detectors, intercoms, digital school maps for first responders, and more.
We want to thank everyone who participated in the investigation, and especially those who were closest to the student we lost. We also encourage students who may feel re-traumatized by the release of the report to let their school counselor or teacher know so that we can provide the necessary support. Similarly, we encourage any affected staff members to connect with a trusted colleague and seek out professional help from our healthcare provider. Finally, we ask all of Richmond to continue working by any means necessary to eliminate the epidemic of gun violence that afflicts too many of our communities. We owe at least that much to the children and youth of this city."
I want to especially emphasize the final paragraph. Students and staff, please note the resources below for mental health support. There's no shame in asking for help – I often do.
- 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.
- 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.
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Tonight's updates:
2024 RPS Teacher of the Year – Congratulations to Ms. Tranelle Pollard from Dogwood MS, our 2024 RPS Teacher of the Year! Chair Stephanie Rizzi, Board Member Jonathan Young, and I had the honor of surprising her with the news at Dogwood this morning. Also joining in the celebration: Principal Jacobs; two of Ms. Pollard's elementary school teachers, Ms. Rita Robinson and Ms. Deborah Riddick (pictured below); and her parents, sister, and two of her closest friends. In addition, her nearly 87-year-old kindergarten teacher, Ms. Betty Blue, was unable to join us but sent along a heartfelt note.
Born and raised in Highland Park, Ms. Pollard is a product of RPS, having attended Overby-Sheppard ES, Binford MS, and Thomas Jefferson HS. She began her RPS career at Martin Luther King, Jr. MS as a 6th grade science teacher. During that first year, Ms. Pollard instantly knew that her life’s mission was to pour into her students and to be their voice for support beyond the classroom. In 2010, Ms. Pollard received her master's – with honors! – in counselor education from Virginia State University; and in 2012, she accepted a position as a middle school counselor at her alma mater, Binford MS. She creates a loving, supportive environment that is felt throughout Dogwood MS – as evidenced by the wild cheers from Dogwood students! Thank you, Ms. Pollard, for making Richmond Public Schools your home, and for pouring your heart and soul into the our students. You're an inspiration to us all!
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I want to also take a moment to recognize our four other finalists for RPS Teacher of the Year: Sharese Williams from Barack Obama ES, Jessica Carpenter from Broad Rock ES, Danielle Houdek from Mary Munford ES, and Latriece Haskins from Swansboro ES. You are all shining examples of excellence in RPS and we are deeply appreciative for the expertise, passion, and heart you bring to your classrooms every day!
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Dreams4RPS – Join us tonight from 6 - 7:30 pm at the Neighborhood Resource Center of Greater Fulton (1519 Williamsburg Rd) for our next Dreams4RPS meeting. To help frame the conversations, we've put together an Outcomes Report (English and Spanish), covering the last five years. Check out the report and find a meeting in your community to come dream with us!
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| Farm-to-Table Monthly Market – I'm thrilled to share that our next Farm-to-Table Monthly Market will be held this Friday, January 19, from 12:30 - 2:30 pm at Oak Grove-Bellemeade ES. All RPS families are encouraged to stop by and pick up a free basket of fresh produce to enjoy at home. Help spread the word, RPS!
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With great appreciation,
Jason
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| 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!
- Shout-out to Dr. Anderson for all that you do. You continue to go over and beyond for your staff to ensure a successful school year. Thank you again for your support.
- I want to shout-out the principal at Westover Hills Elementary School, Ms. Alston. She always asks the most of herself, our staff, and our students. We look forward to many more years of her passionate leadership.
- I want to shout-out Principal Lindsay at Linwood Holton Elementary. He greets every student by name as he walks the hallways. Students are always running up to him for a hug or a high five. He has helped to make our work environment a wonderful place to be. Thank you for leading with love, Principal Lindsay!
- Thank you to Principal Jacquelyn Murphy- Braxton for being such a wonderful, caring, and considerate principal. Your dedication to our young people at River City Middle School has been outstanding. Know that we are grateful for having you. We celebrate you as a wonderful principal.
- I would like to give a shout-out to Principal Watkins at Chimborazo. He has been such a great leader in his first two years with us. He makes everyone feel seen and appreciated. Mr. Watkins works hard to understand what his teachers need and understand where everyone is coming from. He is well liked with the kids, has tons of energy, and shows that he cares day in and day out. Mr. Watkins maintains high academic and behavior standards, but still manages to keep the energy positive and joyful. He has truly impacted the culture of Chimborazo for the better. We professionally love you, Mr. Watkins!
- Our principal at Cardinal ES, Dr. Juvenal Abrego, infuses our school daily with his extensive knowledge, kindness, generosity, commitment to always doing the best for Cardinal students, and humorous spirit, and he's always willing to listen to every person – student, teacher, staff, or parent who comes to him – usually with a problem, to help them resolve it. He is a blessing to our school.
- Shout-out to our Principal Charles Spain Jr. at Overby-Sheppard Elementary School. Mr. Spain, in his first year at Overby, has made attendance for staff and students a priority, motivates our students daily, and supports teachers. His positive energy is contagious and it radiates to all who come in contact with him. His interaction with our students is rewarding to watch. Mr. Spain prioritizes meeting the individual needs of our students. Thank you, Mr. Spain, for all you do. You are appreciated.
- I would like to give a sincere shout-out to Principal Samuels and Vice Principal Blount! J.B. Fisher Elementary School was in desperate need of your leadership, commitment, and positive energy! Your enthusiasm and warmth radiate throughout the school and we are so appreciative to have you leading our flock! You both truly embody the principles of leading with love!
- I would like to give a huge shout out to my principal, Ms. Dabney. She is a wonderful leader at MLK, Jr. Middle School. She has a heart for our student success and she is very supportive and appreciative of her staff. She is a true asset to our school. Thanks for all you do, Ms. Dabney, and happy Principals Appreciation Week!
- Shout-out to Dr. Gaines and Mrs. D-J. Since I started working at Lucille Brown these two amazing women have made me feel loved and right at home. I love coming to work. When an unfortunate event happened in my life they made me feel so supported. Thank you, ladies, for leading with love and always greeting me with a smile or a hug!
- We appreciate you, Principal Ivy – your Math Department at "The Hill" loves you. Thank you for all you do! Every Tiger, every day!
- Big shout-out of gratitude and thanks to Mary Scott’s leading rising star, Principal Lisa Johnson- Hicks, for all of your hard work and support of the entire Mary Scott family. Happy VA School Principals Appreciation Week!
- I want to extent my heartfelt appreciation Dr. Veida Evans, media specialist, for her exceptional hospitality and invaluable assistance during the professional learning session for Edtech integrators on Swivl. Your expertise, dedication, and warm welcome made the learning experience truly enriching for all participants. Thank you, Dr. Evans, for your outstanding support and for creating an environment where collaboration and growth thrive. You are a true asset to the Henderson MS educational community, and your contributions are genuinely commendable. Here's to your continuous impact and inspiring leadership!
- Huge shout-out to Ashley Allen at Chimborazo Elementary for holding it down at Chimbo through some significant staff transitions! Coach Allen stepped right in and taught, co-taught, and coached our kids, support staff, tutors, teachers, and administrators while the school worked its way through a mid-year staffing shuffle. She is helping Chimborazo grow into greatness!
- Once again, the Oak Grove-Bellemeade team comes together to create a wonderful event. Thanks to all those who helped make our school-wide spelling bee a huge success to celebrate our students! Shout-out to: Ms. Carter for her time and support, her bee costume, and for making sure everyone was celebrated; our judges and scorekeeper: Ms. McCray, Ms. K. Brown, Ms. Wingfield, and Ms. Branch; word pronouncer: Coach Davis; and Mr. Barnes, crew chief, who made sure the area was set up, mopped, and ready! Huge thanks to Mr. Sanford who coordinated the microphones and set expectations for the student audience. Mr. Sanford, Mr. Brewer, and Ms. Allums from the Encore team circulated through the audience to make sure everyone was focused – thank you! Shout-out to Ms. Resnick who handled the social media, technology, and recording of the bee! We had some incredible spellers who went many rounds, and we look forward to cheering on our champion speller in February at Mary Munford! Way to go, OGBES team!
- I would like to recognize the Talent Office for the hard work they do for us, but especially Mr. Luther Manley, who has been very supportive and responsive to the needs of Henry L. Marsh ES. Shout-out to the Transportation Department and all of our bus drivers and bus aides supporting HLMES. They serve our students with excellence and provide safe transportation to and from school. They help with conflict resolution, and work cooperatively with our school and administration. The teachers and staff at HLMES have started 2024 with great effort and dedication to their scholars. I am appreciative of the hard work and love that is being displayed. I look forward to the rest of the school year as we continue to work towards excellence. And lastly, the Honorable Cheryl Burke. Words cannot describe the level of gratitude and appreciation we have for her. We are fortunate to have her as our School Board representative, and I am personally grateful for the appreciation she has shown me.
- Shout-out to all of the teachers for a successful first week back to school. You all have done an amazing job in returning back to school. We really appreciate each and every one of you for your hard work and dedication to Carver nation! And shout-out to all the new staff we have in the building. Welcome to the Carver family.
- Shout-out to the K-2 teachers. You all have done an amazing job with teaching phonics instruction to our students. You all have shown dedication to ensure that small groups are being implemented and done with fidelity.
- Kudos to Mrs. Lofton-Pickens for her unwavering dedication to standing in the gap for students at Richmond Virtual Academy. Her advocacy is truly impactful and deserves to be recognized!
- I absolutely need to shout-out Maggie Clemmons! She is phenomenal! She is always responsive, informative, and supportive!
- I would like to give a huge shout-out to Jasmine Armistead and Jesseleia Davis at MLK Middle School. They are both new ELA teachers who have made a major impact on our scholars. Their innovative ideas and creativity keep their students highly engaged. They are both destined for greatness and are truly appreciated!
- Shout-out to our math and reading coaches, Mrs. Johnson and Mrs. Hunt, at George W. Carver Elementary School. You both are amazing coaches and we appreciate you. Shout-out to Mrs. Emma at George W. Carver Elementary School. Thank you for supporting K-2 with small group instruction. You have been amazing helping us ensure that our students are progressing well this year. We appreciate your support. And, shout-out to our reading interventionist, Ms. Mckoy, at George W. Carver Elementary School. Thank you for all the support you provide our students in reading. You are an amazing person. You are doing an amazing job at Carver.
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| Reminders from Previous RPS Directs
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| R.E.B. Awards for Teaching Excellence – Don't miss the opportunity to nominate your teacher for the R.E.B. Awards for Teaching Excellence! Award winners will receive grants up to $15,000 to support any professional learning adventure they wish to pursue – anywhere in the world! Nominations are due by 5 pm on Tuesday, February 20.
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| Tutor Recruitment – Are you a retired teacher, college student/recent grad, or community member interested in supporting the academic success of our students? We're currently accepting applications for academic tutors to support our high-intensity tutoring program. If you or someone you know is interested in joining the RPS team, just visit our website to apply or scan the QR code below with your phone's camera. This work is going to take #AllofUs!
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