| Dear #RPSStrong Family,
This week's updates:
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SummerFest – The start of the traditional school year is just around the corner – August 19 – and we're hosting a ton of events to help families get ready! One of my absolute favorites is Summerfest, coming up this Saturday, August 3, from 10 am - 3 pm at MLK Middle School (1000 Mosby St.). This year, we're excited to feature the 16th annual Citywide Back 2 School Rally during Summerfest thanks to the Northside Coalition for Children.
Summerfest is an incredible one-stop-shop for RPS families, featuring community resources, enrollment assistance, free food, games, music, the Lit Limo, and much more! Don't live in the East End? Don't worry. We're providing free transportation to families from multiple locations throughout the city (schedule below). We can't wait to see you there!
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Tax-Free Weekend – Virginia's sales tax holiday returns this weekend! From Friday, August 2, through Sunday, August 4, families can save a bit as they stock up for the next school year. Qualifying purchases include school supplies (under $20/item), clothing (under $100/item), and emergency preparedness supplies. Visit the VA Department of Taxation for more information.
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Family and Student Engagement Surveys – Every year, we aim to improve how we serve our students and families. To do that, we need your guidance on what we're doing well and what we can do better. Parents, please take a few moments to complete our Family survey for each child enrolled in RPS, and encourage your students to complete the Student survey as well. The deadline to submit surveys is this Wednesday, July 31. Thank you in advance!
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Terry's Locker – Last week, Board Member Rizzi and I helped officially open a Terry's Locker facility at our very own Maymont Preschool. Launched by Washington Commanders wide receiver Terry McLaurin in partnership with UnitedHealthcare, Terry’s Locker gives schools a brand new washer and dryer, as well as laundry and cleaning supplies, ensuring that every student is able to come to school feeling and looking their best. Enormous gratitude to Maymont Principal Victoria Hampton, Terry McLaurin, and UnitedHealthcare for making this happen!
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School Entrance Physicals – We're partnering with the Children's Hospital of Richmond and the Richmond and Henrico Health Districts to provide school entrance physicals on Thursday, August 15, at Marsh Elementary from 4 - 6:30 pm. Please note: This clinic is only for K-5 students, and all appointment slots have been filled. Walkups will be accepted based on availability. Please be advised that the entire process, from check-in to completion, may take longer than usual due to demand. Thank you for your patience!
For a complete list of vaccination and physical clinics in our area, please visit the Virginia Department of Health website or call (804) 205-3501. If you have a primary-care provider, we recommend that you reach out to them to schedule your child's physical, as space is limited at the clinics. We appreciate everyone taking care of this important step ahead of the first day of school!
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ART 180 Residency Exhibition – ART 180 (114 W. Marshall St.) will celebrate the hard work of eight RPS high school students with a public exhibition this Friday, August 2, from 5 - 8 pm. This incredibly talented group of students spent the summer honing their creative skills with an eye towards entrepreneurship and social justice. Please be sure to RSVP. We hope to see you there!
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Opportunity for Retired Educators – Former RPS teachers: Do you miss teaching Richmond history, or leading field trips? If so, the Valentine Museum has an opportunity for you! They're seeking retired teachers to join their ranks as museum educators. Apply now!
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RPS Has Got Talent – Please join me in congratulating RPS school resource officer Mervin Mayo for making it to the next round of the "America's Got Talent" auditions! Officer Mayo, who works at the Richmond Alternative School, wowed judges with his rendition of the Ed Sheeran hit "Thinking Out Loud." After his performance, Officer Mayo was joined on stage by his wife, Mechelle Mayo, who currently serves as department chair for school counseling at Lucille Brown Middle School. On behalf of the entire RPS family, I want to wish Officer Mayo the best of luck as he moves forward in the competition. Check out his stunning performance below, and be sure to tune in tomorrow night to root for Officer Mayo!
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With great appreciation,
Jason
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- I would like to take the time to send a special thank you to our summer school principal, Dustin Robinson. This was my first year teaching summer school, and it was amazing! Mr. Robinson and his team provided unwavering support for the staff and students. He was truly dedicated to the mission of "summer exploration." The summer school staff's commitment made working in the summer worth the time away from the beach! Kudos to you all!
- Shout-out to Principal Draper and staff at Oak-Grove Bellemeade Elementary School. My students' first day of school was a success! When we arrived, we were greeted by many smiling faces. It made me feel as if it was my first day of school as well. There was music playing and praises from staff when students arrived off of buses. I also never felt rushed out of the building by anyone when escorting my preschooler to class. That allowed my nerves to settle and I knew she was in great hands. I now have three students enrolled at Oak-Grove Bellemeade. We are proud to be Teddy Bears!
- I want to send a big thank you to the administration team at Henry Marsh for a great summer school adventure. From the very positive morning announcements to all the activities to enhance learning and fun.
- Huge shout-out to Jonathan Goode, our friendly supervisor of Nutrition Services, who is always on the go, from school to school, lending a hand to food service employees to make sure students are well fed. You can catch him in the kitchen cooking up delicious meals or out in the community, like at the Summer Sunshine Harvest event. Jonathan is known as the busiest guy in RPS Nutrition, but he always makes time to help others.
- I would like to provide a shout-out to the office professionals in the Academic Office, led by Ms. Bonnie Blake Wilson. I attended RPS SLA and LIFE institute this summer, and these ladies have supported our meals and provided additional support excellently. I could not let this opportunity pass without acknowledging their hard work and support. Thank you!
- Shout-out to Tamera Langhorne! I appreciate you explaining the process and helping me with all of your knowledge about the Talent Office!
- A big thank you to the staff and leadership team at Oak Grove-Bellemeade ES for their outstanding work ethic and dedication. Your commitment to excellence does not go unnoticed.
- A round of applause to the family liaisons and coordinators who assisted this week at our RPS200 schools. Thank you for your dedication to continuous improvement. Your commitment to growth sets a positive example for us all. You all brighten our workplace every day!
- I would like to recognize our awesome custodial staff at McClenney ES – Ms. Barbara Hubbard, Crew Lead Ms. Traci Gilliam, and Mr. Chris Dunlap – for going above and beyond the call of duty to clean, organize and prepare our school to welcome staff, families and scholars to the new school year. They are setting the tone for student ownership and staff self-efficacy! They exemplify McClenney Gator pride!
- Happy retirement to Mrs. Jennifer K. Moore! After a long and illustrious career in education and leadership, Mrs. Moore was recently celebrated at a grand affair, surrounded by many adoring friends, family, and colleagues. Mrs. Moore has touched the lives of countless students and families over the many, many years she served in Richmond Public Schools and Hopewell Public Schools. We will forever be grateful for her guidance, mentorship, loving heart and legacy. Mrs. Moore, you are loved, respected, and honored!
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| Reminders from Previous RPS Directs
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| Summer Meals – Our summer meals program has ended, but please note the additional meal options available below.
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- City of Richmond Parks and Rec meal sites are open for breakfast from 9 - 10 am, and for lunch from 12 - 1 pm, Monday through Friday, until August 9. Just enter your zip code on the Summer Meals for Kids site finder to find a location near you.
- The Salvation Army (5327 Orcutt Lane) will provide free community dinners this summer. Join them every Wednesday, from 6 - 8 pm, until August 28. All are invited to attend.
- Feed More is also operating a summer meals program. To find a location near you, view their schedule online, or contact the Hunger Hotline at (804) 521-2500 x631 for emergency food assistance.
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| #TeachWithLove at RPS – We're thrilled to offer signing bonuses of up to $7,000 for new hires starting in the fall! If you or someone you know is interested in joining the RPS team, please take a moment to visit our website to browse open positions. For more information, please email talentoffice@rvaschools.net.
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| RPS Links
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