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| Tuesday, January 19, 2021
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| Dear #RPSStrong Family,
Lots to cover tonight, so let's dive in!
First, I have a couple of updates about the vaccine registration process for RPS staff:
- As I noted on Friday, the Richmond City Health District (RCHD) had to cancel hundreds of appointments and disable the registration link that was previously shared.
- We've learned that a number of RPS staff had their appointments inadvertently canceled. I'm so sorry about the frustration and anxiety that caused. Please note that there will be a new registration system and new vaccination events scheduled for February. I'll share more information about this as soon as I have it.
- Finally, our nurses will be reaching out to any RPS employees who are currently working in-person (for example, bus drivers and nutrition workers) to ensure they are vaccinated – if they want to be – during the events scheduled for this week and next.
- If you have any other questions, please reach out to us at talentoffice@rvaschools.net.
Here's the very short version of my proposal:
- We anticipate receiving about $4 million in new revenue from the Commonwealth of Virginia and about $5 million in new revenue from the City of Richmond. I'm proposing that we use this $9 million for a permanent 2% raise for all staff in addition to their annual 1.17% step increase. I'm also proposing that we cover the annual rise in health insurance costs so our employees don't see an increase in their premiums.
- We're also receiving about $54 million from the recently enacted federal stimulus to respond to the impact of COVID-19! Based in no small part on the feedback I received from all of you, I'm proposing that we use these funds primarily for facility upgrades, an extended-year schedule, a variety of instructional and social-emotional supports, and additional technology investments.
As the diagram below illustrates, we're at the very beginning of the budget process. Over the next few weeks, you'll have a number of opportunities to share your thoughts with the School Board and me. Thank you in advance for your active participation!
Third, I'm excited to announce the division-wide launch of Remind, a new communications tool that will make it easier for schools and families to stay connected. Remind is free to use, and you'll be able to get and send messages on any device. As part of the launch, you'll soon receive an email or text message from Remind to set up your account. Thanks for your support with this new opportunity to bring the RPS family even closer!
With great appreciation,
Jason
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- I would like to give a huge shout to the Kindergarten Team at Chimborazo ES (Ms. Avula, Ms. Parham, Ms. Ladd & Ms. Porter). They had Dr. Danny Avula come today and speak with the kindergarten students about the importance of staying safe and well during COVID-19. The students were very engaged and had very good questions for him. Way to go, Kindergarten Team.
- I would like to send a shout out to my principal, Mrs. Inett Dabney, for her leadership and commitment to MLK Middle School. You are appreciated, Mrs. Dabney!
- Shout out to G.H. Reid's magnificent music teacher, Mrs. Danah Dargon. Mrs. Dargon did an amazing job scaffolding her music lessons to meet the needs of our English learners. Her lessons are fun, filled with musical passion, and accessible to all students.
- I have two children in RPS, a kindergartner at Mary Munford Elementary and a 4th grader at Holton Elementary. I would like to give a shout out to Mrs. Lindstrom (K) and Mr. Johnson (4) for their hard work and dedication to their students during such a tough time. While both of my children would prefer to be in school in person, they still love their teachers, enjoy logging in each day, and have an excitement for learning. As a teacher myself, I have a genuine understanding of what goes on behind the scenes to make virtual school a success, and I am deeply appreciative to both Mrs. Lindstrom and Mr. Johnson for all they do.
- Shout out to our phenomenal Literacy Coach, Mrs. Diane Flemming, at Binford Middle School! She has not stopped innovating, supporting, dreaming and advocating for the English team for one second during this tumultuous school year! Her hopes are always high and solutions are plentiful. We are proud of the work she has done and grateful for the encouragement she provides to our teachers.
- Shout out to the teachers at Binford Middle School! Their hard work is deeply appreciated this year especially because they have been relentless in the pursuit of joy and high expectations. A recent example of this can be seen in the student shout out posts on their Instagram page. These shout outs now include a student-of-the-week from each of their six Houses and it has been awesome to see student faces along with exemplary work being celebrated. Our students are doing the best they can because their families are doing the best they can, which means our teachers are able to innovate and celebrate!
- I’d like to give a shout out to the Chimborazo VPI teachers, Mr. Garber and Ms. Thomas. They’ve adjusted and been persistent with our little ones, encouraged them and praised them all through the screens. I wouldn’t have imagined doing pre-K this way but they are making it work!
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| Student Artwork – Check out the beautiful pieces below from the 8th graders in Ms. Sharon Russell’s art class at Albert Hill Middle School! The students have been studying "low relief" sculpture techniques, from ancient Egypt to the present day. They emulated these techniques using recyclable materials to make portraits. Below are the stunning results!
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| Mobile Helpdesk Update – Due to potential COVID-19 exposure, the Mobile Help Desk will be suspending services until January 25. For any technology needs, please contact helpdesk@rvaschools.net.
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| Scholarships – The Dream Project Scholarship is awarded to immigrant students who demonstrate academic achievement, leadership, community involvement, and perseverance in the face of adversity. The application closes on February 1.
Dominion Energy is awarding $500,000 in scholarships in 2021 to assist African-American and underrepresented students who reside in the company’s service area. The scholarships will be the first made under the Dominion Energy Educational Equity Scholarship Program, a six-year, $10 million initiative. The application closes on January 25.
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Facilitated Learning Centers – As a reminder, there are still seats available at the "facilitated learning centers" serving RPS students. See below for details.
- Peter Paul Development Center is running a facilitated learning center at MLK MS for 2nd-8th grade RPS students. The full-day option goes from 9 am until 6 pm, and is completely free for low-income families. To learn more, click here.
- The YMCA is is running facilitated learning centers at Miles Jones ES, Holton ES, and Huguenot HS for K-8th grade RPS students. The full-day option goes from 7:30 am until 6 pm, and is completely free for low-income families. To learn more, click here.
- There are also many other facilitated learning centers not housed in RPS schools across the city. To learn more, click here.
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RPS Love Store – Show your RPS Love and help us raise money for RPS families in need and local racial justice non-profits by ordering something today from the RPS Love Store!
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| Crisis Support – Please reach out if you need help.
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Important Links – I'll note in orange when there have been additions/updates so you you won't miss anything.
#ReopenWithLove Links
Local, State, and National Public Health Links
Local, State, and National Public Education Links
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