|
|
| Wednesday (PM), January 13, 2021
| |
|
| Dear #RPSStrong Family,
Thank you for all the wonderful suggestions about how to use the federal stimulus in response to COVID-19. The two themes I heard the most were: 1) adding instructional time and support to help catch students up both academically and social-emotionally; and 2) investing in our facilities to make them healthier places to learn and work. Please know that I'm going to incorporate both of these themes into my budget presentation for Tuesday. Again, thank you!
Turning to the COVID-19 vaccine, as I shared on Monday, Virginia will soon transition to Phase 1B, which includes all RPS employees. We know there are lots of questions about the vaccine so I'm hosting a special vaccine edition of RPS Live! for our staff at 4:30 pm on Friday, January 15, on the RPS Facebook page. I'll be joined by Amy Popovich and LaWanda Dunn from the Richmond City Health District. If you can't make it, don't worry; we'll post a recording that you can watch at any time.
Finally, I'm delighted to share that several of our East End and Turnaround for Arts schools just received new pianos thanks to our friends at the RVA East End Festival! The schools are: Henry L. Marsh III Elementary, Chimborazo Elementary, Fairfield Court Elementary, Woodville Elementary, Binford Middle School, and Martin Luther King Jr. Middle School. Since 2016, the RVA East End Festival has raised over $300,000 to support music, visual arts, and performing arts at eight RPS schools. We're so grateful for their partnership and for the leadership of our city's two amazing East End leaders, School Board Chair Cheryl Burke and City Council President Cynthia Newbille. Thank you also to Olivia Jacquith of WRIC for covering this story!
With great appreciation,
Jason
| |
- Ms. Yancey at Fox Elementary is an outstanding educator who brings energy and enthusiasm to her students every single day. She balances discipline and compassion to give her students exactly what they need during this very difficult time. She is patient and kind. My son is so very lucky to have her as his teacher. Richmond Public Schools is lucky to have such a dedicated member of their staff. I am genuinely in awe of how she stays so positive and upbeat every day.
- I wanted to take this time and really shout out a special teacher. I usually don't do this, but Mrs. Blue-Sneed needs this one. Since my daughter started this school year online, I was very skeptical about it would go, but this teacher made sure I was aware of everything happening and she always makes sure I have everything needed to have a successful school year. When I say this person goes above and beyond for a child that she hasn't met in person, I truly mean it. RPS needs more teachers like Mrs. Blue-Sneed. She makes learning fun for me and my daughter, especially when it's been umpteen years since I was in a classroom. Please make sure this teacher gets the recognition she deserves.
- I would like to give a well deserved shout out to Mrs. Ulanda Friday at George Wythe, Instructional Compliance Coordinator extraordinaire! I have never met anyone as compassionate and giving as her. Whenever I've reached out with questions concerning compliance, she has the answers and is willing to support with her vast knowledge of special education policies and procedures. With everything she has to do during the course of her busy work day, she always makes time to lend a helping hand.
- I'd like to shout out two first grade teachers at G.H. Reid, Mrs. Bastian and Ms. Goodnight. They have been thriving during virtual teaching, despite all of the challenges. They've embraced their creativity to develop engaging and interactive activities and slides for their students. It is very apparent how much they love their jobs and their students through the extra time they have put into their work outside of their traditional work hours. Major kudos to them!
- I transferred to J.L. Francis Elementary this year and have been so impressed by the professionalism of the administrative team. They have handled this school year with such care for their teachers and students. Thank you to Watkins, Calloway, and Ryan for always being there for us teachers! It does not go unnoticed.
| |
| 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.
| |
| Calendar Reminder – All RPS schools and offices will be closed on Monday, January 18, in observance of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. Families can pick up an extra meal at our normal meal distribution sites on Friday, January 15, for the holiday weekend.
| |
| January Family Academy Sessions – The RPS Family Academy is back and better than ever! We're partnering with NextUp RVA to host a variety of engaging sessions for the whole family. Topics include Financial Literacy, Art & Movement, and more. Register for these free opportunities here. You'll receive a Family Academy Pack full of fun takeaways to use at home!
| |
| Yale National Initiative – The Yale National Initiative is a wonderful professional development opportunity focused on enhancing teachers' content knowledge. Past participants describe the experience as “energizing” and “empowering” – and the stipend and recertification points aren't bad either! Please visit the Richmond Teacher Fellows website to learn more and apply. Applications are due on January 14. If you have any questions, please contact Valerie Schwarz at vschwarz@rvaschools.net.
| |
| 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.
| |
|
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.
| |
|
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!
| |
| Crisis Support – Please reach out if you need help.
| |
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
| |
|
|
|
|
