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Dear #RPSStrong Family,
I hope everyone had a chance to enjoy the beautiful weather today. I have a number of important updates so let's dive in!
- The high school RPS@Home modules will go live tomorrow morning! Thank you for your patience as the Academic Office put the final touches on these. As a reminder, we have a very detailed guidance document for high school students so please take a moment to review it if you're a high school student yourself or if you have one in your life. Important note for middle school students: if you're taking high school courses, you should go to the high school section of RPS@Home and select the "Complete Coursework" option.
- Laptop distribution will begin next week with seniors (details in next section). We had hoped to start this week, but the company working on configuring the computers is stretched very thin right now given high demand. Thank you for your understanding! After seniors, we'll work our way down the grades while also prioritizing students with IEPs.
- Parents/caregivers of AP students are invited to join a webinar hosted by Trevor Packer, head of the AP Program, to learn more about at-home testing, the exam schedule, and AP review classes. You can register for the webinar here.
- Para apoyar a los estudiantes y las familias en el aprendizaje del inglés, LIEP está creando un canal educativo de YouTube, destinado a apoyar a los estudiantes y las familias de todos los niveles de dominio del inglés y todos los niveles de grado. Estos videos educativos se realizarán para ayudar a las familias a navegar por nuestra comunidad de RPS, la ciudad de Richmond y los Estados Unidos en general durante esta pandemia mundial. (In order to support English learner students and families, the RPS LIEP team is creating an Instructional YouTube Channel, meant to support students and families of all English proficiency levels and all grade levels. These instructional videos will be made to help families navigate our RPS community, Richmond City, and the United States as a whole during this global pandemic.)
- Pre-K and Kindergarten registration will open on April 30 through our EnrollRPS portal. Some of you may have used EnrollRPS earlier this year for the open enrollment process and/or the specialty school application process. (Our goal is to ultimately migrate all of our enrollment functions to this platform.) We will also have in-person opportunities – with social distancing – for families to enroll Pre-K and Kindergarten students starting on April 30 at all of our food sites.
With great appreciation,
Jason
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Computer and Hot Spot Distribution Details for Seniors – As noted above, starting on Tuesday, April 14, we will be distributing computers and hot spots to seniors who already signed up for them. Here are the details:
Who This Is For
- Any RPS senior who already signed up for a device using the online form.
- If you have not signed up yet, you can do so here. But please note that you will not be able to receive your device/s on Tuesday as we only have enough right now for the seniors who already signed up. We will have another pick-up date very soon.
Where To Go
- Armstrong HS (for seniors from Armstrong and Franklin Military)
- Huguenot HS (for seniors from Huguenot only)
- Marshall HS (for seniors from Marshall, Community, TJ, Open, RAS, and RCEEA)
- Wyth HS (for seniors from Wythe only)
When To Go
- 9:30 am (for last names starting with the letters A-D)
- 10:15 am (for last names starting with the letters E-J)
- 11:00 am (for last names starting with the letters K-R)
- 11:45 am (or last names starting with the letters S-Z)
- Note: These time windows are intended to help with social distancing so we respectfully request that seniors do everything possible to adhere to them. That said, we will not turn away anyone who comes outside their designated time.
What to Bring
- We need a parent/caregiver to sign our standard user agreement. If a parent/caregiver cannot come, a senior may come on their own as long as they bring a signed agreement with them. Starting tomorrow, these forms will be available at all of our food sites.
- Your student ID# (which can be found on your report card and transcript)
- A mask or face covering
What to Expect
- Each distribution site will have two pick-up options: in the building and curbside.
- The process of signing out a computer and/or hotspot will take about 15 minutes per student. Each device needs to be powered up and the student then needs to log in to make sure everything is working properly. Parents/caregivers may come without their student but they will need to be able to log in with their student's ID# and password. Given this, we strongly encourage students to come.
- Everyone on the distribution team will be wearing masks and gloves, and will have disinfectant wipes for the devices and hand sanitizer for anyone who needs it.
- We'll do everything we can to make the process as smooth and safe as possible. But please keep in mind that Tuesday is our first go at this. There may be delays and hiccups. Thank you in advance for your patience and grace!
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- I'm an RPS teacher and mom of a kindergarten student. I just wanted to shout out those who put together RPS@Home. I appreciate that the work posted was from the regular pacing guide, using the practice materials from regular classroom instruction. I appreciate the continuity the curriculum team offered by continuing where students left off and not just posting packets of information. This really helps keep the flow of learning while we are at home. It also helps the students feel connected since they've seen the material in school.
- I want to give a shout-out to Mrs. Vandenesse from Broad Rock Elementary, who has been going the extra mile to contact every single one of her many ESL students to make sure they're doing okay during this time. She has been connecting them with resources and giving them lots of love. It's always really special to see how much she genuinely cares about all her students, so thanks Mrs. V!
- I want to say thank you for everything teachers are doing for their students. Thank you for RPS@Home. I’m very impressed!! Stay strong and healthy!
- I have helped at Miles Jones for their food distribution and I want to shout out to all of the staff that have worked hard day after day to make sure that their students do not go hungry. Great job, Miles Jones cafeteria staff!!!
- I want to shout of Ellen Ficker, the CIS Coordinator at Swansboro Elementary School! She has been taking the time to ensure that students and their families are up-to-date on info and have necessities. I also want to shout out all Swansboro Elementary Teachers and Staff for always caring for and loving their students! They rock!
- Ms. Zechini, first grade teacher at J.L. Francis, made DIFFERENTIATED packages for each of her first graders! She created a drive-thru system at Francis that allowed students to pick them up and then individually dropped off those that didn’t get picked up. What dedication!!
- I would like to recognize Ms. Bezares for sending out detailed plans twice a week. Each day of the week is accounted for in these emails to make sure her first graders don’t skip a beat...This allows her students (my daughter included) to seamlessly continue from what they learned in school to what they are learning at home...Ms. Bezares has always had such a big heart and is a true advocate for her students. We are so grateful for and appreciative of her.
- I am the mother of a 5th Grader at JB Fisher. Our awesome principal, Mr. Walton, called my son personally to wish him a happy birthday! Totally not expected at all, but certainly appreciated and it made his day! Also wanted to shout out our amazing teachers, especially Mrs. Frimpong & Mrs. Wilcox, for always being available to answer a question about school work and sending us extra work when asked. Today Mrs. Frimpong even had a Zoom session with my son's class, and from what my husband said, it was a hit! We are so grateful for his school and everyone in it. So sad the kids don’t get some sort of closure before their journey to middle school, but thankful for all the “little things."
- Shout out to the 5th grade team at Oak Grove Bellemeade Elementary, Ms. Brown, Ms. Bryant, Ms. Carter, Ms. Holmes, Ms. Hardy and Ms. Resnick, for posting pictures of them participating in Virtual Spirit Week on their social media pages. They have been showing true team spirit every day! Way to go, champions!
- I want to give a HUGE SHOUT OUT to the Office of Exceptional Education Coordinators, Specialists, Related Service Providers, and Lead Teachers for the countless number of hours spent on RPS@Home lessons, videos, and supports for families. YOU SHINE LIKE DIAMONDS!!
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| Food – We still need additional volunteers, so if you're able to assist, please sign up here. Thank you!
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Wishtree Read-Aloud – Today's celebrity reader is RTD reporter Justin Mattingly. Thank you, Justin, for taking the time to do this! To see all the other celebrity readers, just click here.
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Note: New or updated questions are in orange.
Coronavirus/COVID-19 in Richmond
Closure
- How long are we closed? For the remainder of the school year.
- Will we need to go to school in the summer, and will next school year start early or end late? Possibly. We're exploring these options now and we'll be seeking your feedback very soon.
- Are events run by external organizations that rent space at schools (like churches for Sunday services) cancelled? Yes. ALL activities are cancelled.
- When can students/families and staff pick up personal items from school buildings? Principals will be reaching out to their school communities about specific days/times when individuals can come to retrieve essential personal items.
Food
- Which schools have food available for pick-up? Southside: Boushall MS, Broad Rock ES, George Wythe HS, Miles Jones ES, Reid ES; East End: Armstrong HS, MLK MS; Northside: Ginter Park ES; West End: Binford MS, Carver ES
- Is RPS also delivering food directly into neighborhoods? Yes! We are using our buses to deliver food to 45 locations around the city. Click here for all the details.
- Can students pick up food without their parent/caregiver being present? Yes.
- Can parents/caregivers pick up food without their student being present? Yes.
- If I want to help in some way, what should I do? Please fill out this Google Form so we can follow up with you. Thank you!
Academics – RPS@Home
- Where do I find the RPS@Home section of the RPS website? Just click here.
- Are the lessons on RPS@Home required? Will they be graded? For Pre-K – 8, no, they are NOT required and will NOT be graded. For 9th – 11th graders (and MS students taking HS courses), students must complete one RPS@Home module per class to receive credit. The modules won't be graded, but they must be completed. For seniors, only students who were not passing a class needed for graduation have to complete modules on RPS@Home. Those who were passing their classes do not need to complete any modules; they are effectively done for the year and will receive their diplomas in June.
- Where can I go for more details about what high school students need to do during the closure? We've created a special guidance document for HS students. You can access it here.
- When will the high school modules be live on RPS@Home? Friday. Thank you for your patience!
- What should I if I don't have a computer for my child or can't get internet access? Please fill out this survey. We are working to provide computers and internet access to any RPS student who needs them.
- When will the computers be distributed? Next week. The company that configures them for distribution is overwhelmed right now given current demand. We apologize for the delay!
Academics – Graduation
- Will current high school seniors who were on track to graduate when we closed still get their diplomas this year? Yes! The Virginia Department of Education has just clarified that these students WILL graduate this year.
- What specifically do seniors need to do? Those who were passing their classes do not need to complete any modules; they are effectively done for the year and will receive their diplomas in June. Seniors who were not passing a class needed for graduation have to complete one module per class on RPS@Home.
- What about graduation ceremonies? Prom? Unfortunately, we will not be able to hold these events when they were scheduled. That said, we're exploring rescheduling them for the summer or fall, as we know how important they are to our students and families.
Academics – Grades
- How will grades for Marking Period 3 be determined for elementary school students? We will be asking teachers to finalize these grades by May 8 (the Aspen window will open on Monday), using the following guidance: 1) Use the notation "S" for "Successful" (not a grade) when a student had a passing grade in the subject as of March 13; 2) Use the notation "N" for "Needs Improvement" (not a grade) when a student did NOT have a passing grade in the subject as of March 13. These notations will help next year's teachers have a sense of where students may need extra support.
- How will Final Grades be determined for elementary school students? We will not be assigning final grades at the elementary level.
- How will grades for Marking Period 3 be determined for MS and HS students? We will be asking teachers to finalize grades by May 8 (the Aspen window will open on Monday), using the following guidance: 1) Use the notation "E" for "Exempt" for any missing assignment, meaning no make-up work needs to be turned in. This is to protect students (as many are unable right now to complete make-up work) and teachers (as many are unable right now to grade such work); 2) Use 50% as the numerical value for any assignment graded as an F (meaning no score below 50%), so as not to unnecessarily depress student grades at this time.
- How will Final Grades be determined for determined for MS and HS students? We will calculate final grades using the average of the grades for Marking Periods 1, 2, and 3, each making up 1/3 of the final grade.
Academics – Other
- Will students be held back a year because of the closure? No. But we may need to start next school year early and/or end late.
- Will students need to take SOLs? No.
- Where do I go to find all the Wishtree read-aloud videos? Right here!
Communications
- What is the RPS website address? www.rvaschools.net
- Can anyone receive my daily RPS Direct emails? Yes. ANYONE can sign up here.
- Are these messages available in other languages? Yes. They're all posted on our website, which has an auto-translate function for dozens of languages. The translate button is on the top right of the menu bar.
- Does RPS have any guidance on how to talk about the coronavirus with children? Yes. Please click here for a number of resources.
Other
- If I want to volunteer, what should I do? Please sign-up here. Thank you!
- If I want to donate, what should I do? Click here to go to the donation page of the Richmond Public Schools Education Foundation. Thank you!
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Note: New or updated questions are in orange.
Health
- What should I do if I have a question about my benefits? Please call 804-780-7859. And if you have any other concerns, please reach out to me directly at jkamras@rvaschools.net. I want to make sure you have all the information and support you need during this difficult time!
- Will I have to pay for a COVID-19 test if I use my RPS health insurance? No. Cigna has clarified that COVID-19 related screening will be covered at no cost to customers. In addition, an associated office visit will be covered at 100%, and cost-sharing and co-payments for COVID-19-related treatment through May 31, 2020 will be waived.
- Where can I get mental health support? Mental health support is provided through our Cigna Employee Assistance Program. To access it, call 877-622-4327 or visit www.mycigna.com. “RPS” (without the quotes) is our Employer ID. Note that Cigna has doubled the number of free sessions (to 10) any customer can use for concerns related to the coronavirus, at no additional cost.
- Where can I get mental help support for someone not covered by our plan? The Richmond Behavioral Health Authority (RBHA) provides support to anyone in Richmond. Please call 804-819-4000 for assistance.
- What should I do if I know someone who is thinking about harming themselves? Please immediately call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255 or visit www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org.
Pay
- Who will be paid during the closure? ALL RPS employees will continue to be paid during the entirety of the closure. That includes full-time, part-time, and hourly employees.
- Are long-term subs included? Yes!
- What about contracted personnel, like 1:1 aides? We are working to make sure these individuals get paid as well. It's just a little tricker since they're not RPS employees. I should have more information on this soon.
- Will teachers still get "spread pay" this summer? Yes. Just as always, our 9.5 and 10-month employees will receive their “spread pay” during July & August, and our 11-month employees will receive theirs in July.
Other Matters
- Will I get back the leave I was scheduled to take after we closed on March 13? Yes! In fact, we have already returned all of it.
- Since we aren't having an in-person transfer fair, what should I do if I want to transfer to a different school next year? We are working on a virtual solution.. As soon as we have the details worked out, I'll share them in my RPS Direct.
- What should I do if I need to renew my license? Though we are technically closed, you can still send in your licensure renewal paperwork to Deborah Dailey, our Licensure Specialist. Use this address: Talent Office – 15th Floor, Attention Deborah Dailey, 301 N. 9th Street, Richmond, VA 23219. You can also email Deborah at ddailey@rvaschools.net.
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