| Thursday, November 9, 2023
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Dear #RPSStrong Family,
Tonight's updates:
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2023 R.E.B. Awards – Please join me in congratulating three outstanding RPS teachers who won the 2023 R.E.B. Awards for Teaching Excellence! These remarkable educators are being honored for their passion, dedication, and expertise – as teachers, mentors, and champions for their students. Each of them has chosen a once-in-a-lifetime travel experience to enhance their knowledge and skills, and to nourish their souls – all paid for by the R.E.B. Foundation and the Community Foundation. Read more about their upcoming adventures below.
Naiima Smith (English/AP English/Composition, Franklin Military Academy) – Ms. Smith will connect to the roots of the African American experience through an exploration of the origin, heritage, and culture of Accra, Ghana, and the Civil Rights Trail across Tennessee, Alabama, and Georgia.
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Gwendolyn Nixon (AP Language/Composition/Literature/Creative Writing, Huguenot HS) – Through photography and journaling, Ms. Nixon will investigate the causes and consequences of inequitable distribution of environmental benefits and hazards that impact African and Indigenous communities.
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Joanna Minott (Earth Science, Huguenot HS) – Ms. Minott will create culturally responsive earth science curricular materials by exploring how geology, astronomy, and proximity to water influenced the Mayan Civilization in Mexico, the Ashanti Kingdom in Ghana, and the Ayutthaya Empire in Thailand.
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Student-led Tutoring Services – Newtowne Tutoring, an after school student-led tutoring program, is currently offering free tutoring services to RPS elementary, middle, and high school students for any subject. The program will be held every Wednesday (through April 2024) from 3:30 to 5:30 pm in the Bluestone lobby at Maggie Walker Governor's School (1000 N. Lombardy St) or virtually via zoom. Families are invited to complete the interest form. For more information, please email club sponsor Hana Voight. Thank you!
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Digital Portfolio – The Parent Educational Advocacy Training Center works collaboratively with families, schools, and communities to provide services, support, training, and resources for families of children with disabilities. The Digital Portfolio is just one of the many amazing resources offered to assist parents with the organization of educational, medical, legal information and more. Be sure to check it out.
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Wellness Wins – The RPS Wellness Office recently recognized staff members who exemplify what is means to #ServeWithLove. Please join me in congratulating the following staff on their "wellness wins" for the month of October!
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With great appreciation,
Jason
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Donna Downey, Registered Nurse
"Nurse Downey demonstrated exceptional care during an emergency with a student. Her quick thinking and expertise were invaluable in providing the necessary medical attention to the student in need. Her calm and reassuring demeanor also helped to ease the anxiety of the student. Nurse Downey's dedication to her profession and the well-being of the student population is truly admirable."
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| Lt. Joanne Ortiz, Zone Supervisor"Sometimes a great supervisor completes the team. Zone Supervisory Lieutenant Joanne Ortiz is one of those supervisors, even though she has only served in the role for a short time. She is very supportive of her team and operates by the book, especially when it comes to uniforms. Ortiz takes ownership of her schools, and ensures students and staff are doing what is needed to make safety priority number one. Her translation skills also make her a huge asset to students, families, and staff."
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John Oliver, Certified Nursing Assistant
"Mr. Oliver is recognized for his integral and logistical support of school health services and our recent vaccination clinics. With diligence and professionalism, his keen attention to detail and engagement with students, families, and staff ensured that these clinics were successful."
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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!
- Big shout-out to Principal London, Ms. Baylor, and the amazing teachers and staff at Henderson Middle for coordinating informative and welcoming school tours for rising 6th graders. Thank you for all that you do.
- Huge shout-out to Tarenne Robertson! Tarenne is an wonderful school psychologist who works diligently to provide the best possible services to the students, families, and staff of RPS. She is a valued team member at Huguenot High School and Thomas Jefferson High School. Tarenne works hard to provide positive outcomes for all of the students that she encounters. She is a valuable participant within the team process at both of her schools, offering guidance and strategies for the benefit of all. Tarenne has strong communication skills and is an advocate for the students and families in her buildings. Her empathy and passion make her an asset to the Psychological Services department. Thank you for all that you do for the students, staff, and families of RPS! Happy School Psychology Awareness Week!
- Huge shout-out to Malerie Anderson! Malerie is a wonderful school psychologist who provides excellent services to the students, families, and staff of RPS. She is a valued team member at Broad Rock Elementary School and Franklin Military Academy. Malerie strives to provide the best services possible within her buildings and is a tireless advocate for children and families. She works well with students, families, teachers/staff, and community partners. Malerie is a supportive teammate, exhibiting strong assessment and intervention skills. Her creativity and empathy help to make her a valuable asset to the psychological services staff. Thank you for all that you do for the students, staff, and families of RPS! Happy School Psychology Awareness Week!
- Huge shout-out to Alyssa Pence! Alyssa is a fantastic school psychologist who strives to provide the best services possible for the students and families of RPS. Alyssa is a valued team member at Elizabeth Redd Elementary School and Martin Luther King, Jr. Middle School. She works hard to provide quality assessment, intervention, and mental health services within her buildings. Alyssa has a strong knowledge of best practices within the field of school psychology and easily uses her skills to support her colleagues and the children, teachers, and staff with whom she works. Alyssa's drive, ability to analyze data, and willingness to help make her a valuable asset to any team. We are lucky to have her as part of the Psychological Services staff. Thank you for all that you do for the students, families, and staff of RPS! Happy School Psychology Awareness Week!
- A big shout-out to Dr. McCrowell and Dr. Gooding, RVA's phenomenal school psychologists! Your unwavering support and encouragement have been instrumental in the success of RVA's exceptional education team and ICC. Happy Psychologist Week! Your dedication is truly appreciated.
- Happy School Psychologist Week to Lisa Thanadar for her dedication, humor, compassion, and support for families and staff.
- I would like to offer a huge shout-out for Veterans Day for RPS staff who are Veterans as well as current active Reservists. Thank you for your sacrifices and hard work in service to our community and country.
- Mr. Y is a treasure at PHSSA! He goes above and beyond every single day. He consistently works with students, ensures they are meeting their goals, and always has a positive attitude. Thank you for all you do at Patrick Henry!
- I want to give a huge shout-out to Ms. Waddey at Francis for helping to create the SPACE space! My students and I are so grateful for our new learning space!
- Shout-out to Ms. Lee, fifth grade teacher at Miles Jones Elementary School. She had her students create beautiful artwork to be hung at the VCU hospital children's wing. Thank you Ms. Lee, for inspiring your students to do cross curricular activities in the arts! You are inspiring!
- I would like to shout-out Ms. Norvell, the amazing speech pathologist at Overby Sheppard Elementary School. She is a wonderful example of teaching with love. Ms. Norvwell greets all the students every day with a smile. Additionally, when she sees students who seem upset or down, she always checks in with them and lets them know that she is there to help. I really appreciate the positive energy she brings to school every day.
- A special shout-out to RVA's Exceptional Education Department (EXED), Dr. Robinson, and Mrs. Portee! Your incredible teamwork and support during my absence this week haven't gone unnoticed. Kudos to the EXED for being in compliance and working seamlessly as a team to ensure all scholars at RVA receive the necessary support. Your dedication is truly commendable!
- Shout-out to Southampton’s own Ms. Petzold, Ms. Boscana, Ms. Angles, and Dr. Joseph for working closely with each student to be sure they were supported and able to do their best work. The parent/teacher conference clearly showed they knew their students' individual strengths and learning styles.
- Shout-out to my colleague Mrs. Indira Merritt, behavior specialist at Amelia Street School. It is with great pride and a pleasure to say kudos to the one who has made my spirit feel loved and appreciated since the day I met her. She has the most calm, soothing voice I have ever heard but make no mistake she says what she means and means what she says. That is one of the many reasons our scholars at Amelia Street love her so much. As do I. She always makes time for the students and the staff. Her door is always open as well as her genuine heart. I’ve been an educator for 30 years so I know kids need to feel like they are more than enough and every day Mrs. Merritt reminds the students and me that we have value. Thank you, Mrs. Merritt. We are family!
- Shout-out to Mr. Houston (cafeteria worker), Ms. Cunningham (1st grade teacher), Mr. James Sampson, Ms. Bartlett (1st grade mom), and Mr. Fletcher Johnson (works with veterans)! Each of these kind veterans came to talk with our students at Swansboro – we appreciate each of you and thank you for your service.
- A huge shout-out to the 5th graders in Ms. Lee’s homeroom class at Miles Jones Elementary who entered the VCU Children’s Hospital artwork competition. Kimberly Ruiz-Telon placed first and everyone’s artwork will be displayed at the new children’s hospital Sky Tower in an art exhibition.
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- Thank you to Swansboro team members Mrs. Noble, Ms. Smith, Mrs. Haskins, Ms. Waddell, and Dr. Lee-Anderson for leading our Veterans Day event. Veterans came to each class to speak to students, display artifacts tied to the curriculum, and discuss being positive citizens. Swansboro students thanked them for their service and contributions to all.
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- I'd like to shout-out Jeremiah Camp, the Future Center navigator at Richmond High School for the Arts. He was awarded "College Counselor of the Year" by the Richard Bland College admissions department. Jeremiah does phenomenal work with his students, supporting them on their postsecondary pathways. Keep up the great work!
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| Reminders from Previous RPS Directs
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| RVA Hopefest – The Market at 25th will host the 2nd Annual RVA Hopefest this Saturday, November 11, from 1:30 - 5 pm. Enjoy great music, a bouncy house, mechanical bull riding (!), free popcorn, cotton candy, and more! All proceeds will support the RPS Center for Families in Transition.
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| VDOE Family Engagement Survey – All parents/caregivers of children who receive special education services are encouraged to complete the Virginia Department of Education’s annual parent survey in English or Spanish. The survey will remain open through December 15. For questions, please email or call Chiquita Seaborne at (804) 225-3898.
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| K-12 Learning Recovery Grants – I'm thrilled to share that RPS has partnered with Outschool.org to help families apply for, receive, and spend down Virginia Learning Acceleration Grants. These grants from the Virginia Department of Education aim to help students recover from learning loss experienced due to the pandemic. Qualifying services include tutoring, the purchase of assistive technologies for students with disabilities, and specialized educational therapy services and supports. Visit their website to get started today.
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| Teach With Love at RPS – We hire all year long so if you know of a great teacher who might like to join the RPS team, please tell them to apply now. We're offering bonuses of up to $12,000!
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| School Nutrition Open Interviews – Every Thursday through November, we're holding walk-in interviews for part-time nutrition assistant positions. Interviews will be conducted from 1:30 - 3 pm at our Facility Services office (1461 Commerce Rd).
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| 2024-25 School Applications – The application window for families to submit open enrollment, specialty school, and Governor’s School applications for the 2024-25 school year is open! Families have until 4:30 pm on December 1, 2023, to submit specialty and Governor’s School applications, and until 4:30 pm on February 1, 2024, to submit open enrollment applications and applications to the Governor's STEM Academy for CTE at RTC.
A few important notes:
- We unfortunately cannot accept late applications for any reason. Please plan accordingly.
- As long as your application is submitted before the deadline, the timing of your submission will have no impact on the outcome.
- We're holding information sessions about the application process, the Enroll RPS portal, and school options. Details will be at www.rvaschools.net/enroll as soon as they are final.
- If you have additional questions, please email us at enrollrps@rvaschools.net.
- If you haven't already done so, please review the recently developed list of FAQs regarding changes to the admissions process for Richmond Community HS, Open HS, and Maggie L. Walker Governor's School.
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| Student Wellness and Mental Health Support – Please note the resources below and remember that we love you here and you are not alone.
- Students who need emergency mental health support should call the Richmond Behavioral Health Authority at (804) 819-4100 or the ChildSavers Immediate Response line at (804) 305-2420 (or send a text to 741741).
- Latinos in Virginia Empowerment Center provides education, advocacy, and support to Spanish-speaking individuals affected by violence. The 24/7 hotline in Spanish is (888) 969-1825.
- The Trauma Healing Response Network is a coalition of grassroots, community-based organizations and mental health partners that provide support services to families and communities impacted by gun violence. The network can also facilitate the distribution of emergency relief funds to help those in crisis. For more information, email traumahealingresponsenetwork@gmail.com.
- RPS employees in need of emergency support should contact the Cigna 24/7 Crisis Line at (833) ME-CIGNA, or (833) 632-4462. Additional counseling and support services are also available through the Cigna Employee Assistance (EAP) program by calling (800) 544-6931.
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| RPS Links
Crisis Support Links
Health and Wellness Links
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