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| Dear #RPSStrong Family,
We are thrilled to virtually welcome back our students on September 8 for the start of the 2020-21 school year! While this fall may look and feel a little different, one thing will be the same: our commitment to teaching, leading, and serving with love.
Last week, we shared #ReopenWithLove, our reopening plan for the fall. I encourage you to read it and follow up with any questions you may have. You can always contact me at jkamras@rvaschools.net. Here are just a few of the most important elements:
- Fall meal distribution will begin on August 31 through our bus system, with over 1,095 stops daily. Most students will be able to pick up their meals between 7 am and 9 am.
- For K-12 students, the school day will start at 9:15 am, right after our meal distribution. For Pre-K students, it will start at 9 am or 9:15 am based on the location.
- Students will experience a full instructional day, including a mix of live instruction, independent work, and small group or one-on-one check-ins.
- Each student will receive a Chromebook and a #ReopenWithLove Learning Kit that will include instructional supplies as well as subject-specific materials such as novels and workbooks.
- All assignments will be required and graded, and students will receive report cards and transcripts.
- Specialized support for English Learners and students with disabilities will be provided throughout the virtual semester.
Below this letter, you will find our #ReopenWithLove Family Checklist. Please review it and complete each item that applies to your family prior to September 8.
As we approach the start of the 2020-21 school year, I want to acknowledge the anxiety that many, if not all, of you are experiencing right now. To be sure, this fall will not be easy – for either students, families, or staff. To make it through – and actually thrive – we will all need empathy and grace. I pray that we all have the strength to extend it to each other, and the fortune to receive it. That is how we will #ReopenWithLove.
With great appreciation,
Jason
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- Thanks so much to Ms. Jones and Ms. Cook for all the love they show us at Ginter Park. Go, Gators!
- Today was the first of many professional development sessions for the custodial staff members in Cluster 1. We learned a lot about using "soft skills" in the workplace. We had interactive activities, all while practicing physical distancing and using PPE. A big "thank you" to Dr. Wharton-Carey, Principal at Redd Elementary, for allowing us to use her spacious auditorium. Thank you to her Crew Leader, Mr. Jones, the entire Cardinal custodial staff, and Mr. McNair, Crew Leader, for their assistance with set-up and breakdown. We look forward to continuing our professional development sessions throughout the school year!
- I would like to give an enormous shout out to Tomeka Liggans, ICC at River City Middle School! Ms. Liggans demonstrates a willingness to serve all students that is truly commendable. She has gone out of her way to help students in need, and is much appreciated as an RPS Exceptional Education Department Rock Star!
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Community Walks – Our Community Walks began last week to help share information about our #ReopenWithLove plan and connect families with any resources they need. If you'd like to help out, please visit www.handsonrva.org/rps. Thank you!
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RPS Live! – Our next edition of RPS Live! is tomorrow evening at 7 pm on our Facebook page. I’ll be joined by Harry Hughes (our Chief Schools Officer), Cherita Sears (Principal of Thomas Jefferson HS), Latonya Waller (Principal of Boushall) and James Gordon (Principal of Oak Grove-Bellemeade ES) as we continue our #ReopenWithLove discussion and answer your questions. We hope you can join!
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Tech Survey for Teachers – Teachers, please check your RPS email account for a survey about your technology needs. Please complete it as soon as possible so we can make sure you're all set for the start of school. If you've already completed the survey, you're all set! If you have any questions, please contact Sandra Lee, our new Chief Talent Officer, at slee7@rvaschools.net.
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NextUp RVA – If your organization provides a great extra-curricular activity geared towards 6th-8th graders, please contact NextUp RVA about how to partner with RPS middle schools. For additional information, just click here!
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Meal Distribution Updates – Please review the flyers below for updates to our summer meal distribution beginning this week.
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Free Physicals – The Richmond and Henrico Health Districts are sponsoring free physicals and immunizations for uninsured new elementary school students. See below for more information!
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Important Links – I'll note in orange when there have been additions/updates so you you won't miss anything.
Fall 2020 #ReopenWithLove Links
Local, State, and National Public Health Links
Local, State, and National Public Education Links
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