| Tuesday, February 27, 2024
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| Dear #RPSStrong Family,
Tonight's updates:
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| Calendar Update – Fortunately, we've had a relatively mild winter, which means we haven't used most of our snow days. Given this, we've decided to make Friday, March 29 (Good Friday), a Wellness Day for our students and staff. All schools and offices will be closed. Also, as a reminder, Tuesday, March 5, will be a Teacher Work Day (no school for students) due to the primary election.
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| BHM Spotlight – Today, we're celebrating Amir Beasley, a remarkable 3rd grade student at William Fox ES. Described by his teacher as "intelligent, charismatic, and athletic," Amir excels in math and has shown remarkable growth as a reader this year. Beyond academics, Amir's kindness toward others and sense of humor bring light and joy to his class!
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| BHM Essay Contest – Please join me in congratulating the winners of Congresswoman Jennifer McClellan's Inaugural Black History Month Essay Contest! Albert Hill MS students Frances "Franny" Widmer (1st), Houston Barnes (2nd), Zella Green, Aliyah Cheek, Julia Jones, and Jaliyah Fells were recently recognized for their outstanding essays about the life and legacy of the first Black woman elected to Congress, former Rep. Shirley Chisholm. Franny's first place essay has been entered into the Congressional record where it will be kept in the archives for all time!
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Tutor Recruitment – We're currently accepting applications for academic tutors to support our high-dosage tutoring program. If you're a retired teacher, college student/recent grad, or community member interested in supporting the academic success of RPS students, just visit our website to apply. This work is going to take #AllofUs! Enormous gratitude to one of our outstanding tutors, Willis Weber, and to Madison McNamee with NBC12 for sharing our story.
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| Teen Summit RVA – This past Saturday, the next generation of leaders from across the Richmond region convened at the Richmond Convention Center for the 2024 Teen Summit RVA leadership conference. RPS represented with over 200 attendees. Check out the story from WRIC 8 below!
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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 Dogwood MS dance instructor Lisa Perkinson and her student teacher, Shelby Sheldon, for facilitating an amazing performance last weekend. Shout-out also to those behind the scenes who help make such an event possible: Mr. Vollmer, Ms. Mitchell, Ms. Grant, Mr. Beckett, and our PTA!
- Shout-out to FCES staff for the "heart" work they do every day to prepare our students for the next phase of their educational journey. We work hard for our students in RPS...Eagles soar!
- I'd like to give a great, big shout-out to Dr. Katherine Howard, the ICC at RHSA! She works tirelessly and is the most persistent warrior for our students. She is an excellent collaborator and leader!
- Throughout Black History Month, our Holton community has celebrated the rich cultural heritage and significant contributions of Black individuals through a series of engaging spirit week activities. These events not only honored past achievements, but also fostered a deeper understanding and appreciation of Black history and culture among our students, staff, and wider community. I have attached pictures of students and staff members who have dressed up as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Harriet Tubman, Steph Curry, Rosa Parks, Carolyn Johnson, Serena Williams, and more.
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| Reminders from Previous RPS Directs
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| RPS Shines – This May, we're hosting our third-annual RPS Shines, a special evening to recognize and honor our life-changing teachers, principals, and support staff. You can help us celebrate these amazing individuals in two ways: 1) by nominating RPS educators and staff for our division wide awards – Lucille Brown Impact Award, Rodney A. Robinson Equity Award, and the 2024 Principal of the Year Award; and 2) by supporting RPS Shines with a donation to the Richmond Public Schools Education Foundation. The window to submit nominations closes on Friday, March 1. Thank you!
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| Advocate for RHSA – On Wednesday, March 6, RPS will be requesting a waiver from the city Zoning Board to install light poles on the athletic grounds of the new Richmond High School for the Arts. If you can, please come out to support the RHSA community. For more information, visit our website or scan the QR code below with your phone's camera. Thanks in advance for your support!
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| RPS Links
Crisis Support Links
Health and Wellness Links
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