| Tuesday, November 28, 2023
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Dear #RPSStrong Family,
Tonight's updates:
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Giving Tuesday – It's Giving Tuesday and I'd like to shamelessly plug the RPS Education Foundation, which has supported nearly 5,000 students, families, and teachers this year. Here are just a few examples of how you could make an impact:
- $25 provides a Take it Anywhere microscope to a curious RPS student
- $50 equips our newcomer students with English language development flash cards
- $100 funds programs for students returning to school from juvenile detention
- $250 makes endangered animals and ecosystems come alive through virtual reality
- $500 fills a classroom library for eager young readers
- $1000 offers a lifeline to families in crisis
Please consider donating to the fund to support of our students, families, and educators. Thank you in advance for your generosity and for being a champion for public education and community healing.
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Dreams4RPS – Come share your dreams for RPS tonight at 6 pm at Liberation Church (5501 Midlothian Turnpike). Visit our website to find a community meeting near you.
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2024-25 School Applications – The deadline to submit specialty and Governor’s School applications for the 2024-25 school year is this Friday, December 1, at 4:30 pm. If you're interested in applying for open enrollment or the Governor's STEM Academy for CTE at RTC, you have until February 1, 2024, at 4 :30 pm to submit applications.
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.
- 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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Energy Assistance – Winter is quickly approaching and we want to make sure all families are prepared for the cold temperatures. Please remember that Dominion Energy has payment programs to assist families experiencing financial hardship. For a full list of Dominion Energy customer assistance options, visit their website or call 866-366-4357.
EnergyShare Bill Payment Assistance
- Anyone needing help to pay heating bills may qualify for assistance
- Not income-based
- Individuals 60 and older, military veterans, and people with disabilities may be eligible for additional assistance
- Offers up to $600 in bill payment assistance from October 1 through May 31
- For more information, visit Virginia 211
Extended Payment Plans
- Extended payment plans to assist customers who have fallen behind on their electric bills
- Eligible customers can make a 50% down payment on their past due bill and spread the remaining balance over 6 months (sign-in to your Dominion Energy account online to apply)
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K-12 Learning Recovery Grants – Has your family applied for a Virginia Learning Acceleration Grant? If not, don't worry! We've partnered with Outschool.org to help families apply for, receive, and spend down the grants. Qualifying services include tutoring, the purchase of assistive technology for students with disabilities, and specialized educational therapy services and supports. Visit their website to get started today.
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With great appreciation,
Jason
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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!
- Shout-out to Ms. Parham at Miles Jones Elementary School! Last week, I lost my voice and knew I needed serious vocal rest, but felt a little nervous teaching without speaking. As soon as I entered the classroom, Ms. Parham had the students set up and ready to go. She told the students I lost my voice, and that they need to look closely at me to know what to do, and that she would be my voice whenever needed. Ms. Parham is so familiar with my teaching style that she was able to translate my gestures into clear directions for the students. This was a huge comfort to me as I was resting my voice. Not only did the lesson go smoothly, but it was a lot of fun for me and our students!
- I would like to give a shout-out to Ms. Jackson at Woodville Elementary! She always gives her students a multi-sensory experience, using music, visuals, and plenty of hands-on tools to keep her students engaged. She works hard to build fluency, provide feedback, and create a warm classroom community. Way to go, Ms. Jackson! Your students are lucky to have you!
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| Reminders from Previous RPS Directs
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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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| 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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