| Let me begin tonight by apologizing for using the wrong last name for our graduate who was killed on Tuesday. His name is Shawn Jackson. Amid my exhaustion, I inadvertently used his step-father's last name. Additionally, upon re-reading my last couple Directs, I noticed a handful of typos. As an educator and a perfectionist, I'm a bit embarrassed by that. Thank you for your grace.
I also want to acknowledge the handful of families who have reached out to me to share their frustration with my decision to close school today and tomorrow. I know some of our fifth grade and eighth grade families, in particular, are disappointed given the cancellation of moving on ceremonies. I've experienced this firsthand, as my action canceled my own son's Henderson graduation.
I made this decision for two reasons. First, our teachers and staff – across the division – are emotionally depleted. For many, this latest tragedy was deeply re-traumatizizing, as they have had to deal with countless other shootings and deaths in their careers. In short, many in the RPS family are barely holding on. Second, when shootings like this happen, I always fear retaliation and copycat activity – particularly with an incident as public as this.
I hate closing school. But I have promised to always treat our 22,000 students as if they were my own flesh and blood. And I could no less bear the thought of my own two sons suffering Shawn's fate, as I could anyone else's. Again, thank you for your grace.
Tonight's Updates:
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| Remaining High School Graduations – Our Class of 2023 graduations will resume tomorrow, June 9. Updated times, dates, locations and livestream links are below. In addition, please note the following additional security measures:
- No bags of any kind will be permitted inside the school (no exceptions).
- No flowers, balloons, or amplified devices of any kind will be permitted inside the school.
- Everyone will be subject to searches.
Friday, June 9
- Open HS – 9 am at Richmond Community HS
Monday, June 12
Tuesday, June 13
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| Valedictorians & Salutatorians – I'm thrilled to highlight the valedictorians and salutatorians who will be graduating tomorrow. Congratulations to these truly phenomenal students!
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Elizabeth Childress, ValedictorianOpen HS
Christopher Newport University
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Evelin Medrano, SalutatorianOpen HS
Virginia Commonwealth University
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| RCEEA Graduation – Our graduations actually started last week with the Richmond Career Education and Employment Academy! Please joining in congratulating RCEEA's five graduates and make sure to check out their heartwarming graduation tribute.
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| Senior Reflections – Speaking of the Class of 2023, take a minute to watch this wonderful video compilation of senior reflections!
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| 2023 RPS Education Foundation Scholarships – The RPS Education Foundation just announced over $15,000 in scholarships for our seniors! Please join me in congratulating the recipients:
- Jayla Cribb, Armstrong HS: Adele Johnson Memorial Scholarship
- Timmond Batten, Franklin Military Academy: Benjamin Lambert III Scholarship
- Luz Olivera Garcia, George Wythe HS: Benjamin Lambert III Scholarship
- Ayanah Hanks, Thomas Jefferson HS: Benjamin Lambert III Scholarship
- Madisyn Willis, Open HS: Bright Promise Scholarship
- Debbie Gomez-Rivera, George Wythe HS: Reco Charity Servant Leadership Award
- Miyah Miller, George Wythe HS: Reco Charity Servant Leadership Award
- Jayla Cribb, Armstrong HS: Dr. Hezekiah Braxton & Braxton Family Humanitarian Book Scholarship
- Akeeymah Hargrove, Armstrong HS: Susan Braxton Mayo Book Scholarship
- Cayla Green, John Marshall HS: RPS Combined Classes of 1972 50th Reunion Book Scholarship
- Isiah Mejia, Thomas Jefferson HS: RPS Combined Classes of 1972 50th Reunion Book Scholarship
- Timmond Batten, Franklin Military Academy: RPSEF General Scholarship
- Adeline Miller, Open HS: RPSEF General Scholarship
- Debbie Gomez-Rivera, George Wythe HS: RPSEF General Scholarship
- Akeeymah Hargrove, Armstrong HS: RPSEF General Scholarship
- Kayla Williams, Huguenot HS: RPSEF General Scholarship
- Grace Mukuye, Richmond Community HS: RPSEF General Scholarship
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| Staff Contracts and Retention Bonuses – Staff contracts were sent out this week. Please be sure to log in to TalentEd and sign your contract by Thursday, June 15. If you forgot your password, have questions, or require assistance, please email talentoffice@rvaschools.net.
In addition, I'm thrilled to share that the School Board approved a retention bonus for all full-time contract employees who return next year. Bonuses will be based on your years of service with RPS, as noted below.
- 2-9 years: $1,000
- 10-19 years: $2,000
- 20-29 years: $3,000
- 30+ years: $4,000
While I know you don't do this work for the money, I pray this bonus will make your lives just a little bit easier. We are profoundly grateful for the skill, dedication, and love you shower on RPS students every day.
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| With great appreciation,
Jason
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- I would like to shout-out Ms. T Hawkins at John Marshall High School. She demonstrates the true meaning of “above and beyond” – a tireless advocate for her students and their families. What is most admirable is her genuine care for students as she builds life-long relationships and creates a safe, nurturing environment filled with high expectations and lots of fun!
- I'd like to give a huge shout-out to Matt Wester (Franklin) and Liz Wait (RTC) who shared their time, talents, and enthusiasm helping get our biology expedited re-testers at John Marshall ready over the past week. We are certainly unstoppable when we work together! Thank you for your willingness to help and being just fantastic teachers! Team work makes the dream work!
- I'd like to shout-out the extraordinary science team at John Marshall for all of their hard work and dedication to their students this year, culminating with their Biology Boot Camp of Champions on Monday! Led by Stephanie Smith and Carolyn Waller, the team of Deandra Braxton, Kim Jones, and Phylis Wilson combined with our fabulous secondary science coach, Lauren Kern, to lead the kids through a full-day round robin review of everything the students needed to know to succeed on their SOL. Ms. Chavis, Mr. Lynch, and Mr. Myers were there supporting the whole way! This was a huge team effort and they are all rock stars for all the work they put in to making this happen! Thank you for all that you do every day or our students!
- Overdue shout-out to the Henderson Middle School team that welcomed the rising 6th graders to the school for an open house and tour. We loved hearing about all the STEM programming in more detail and getting to see the classrooms, auditorium, cafeteria, etc. The counselors, principal, and assistant principals that we met were warm and welcoming and we appreciated the time each took to introduce themselves and speak to all that the school has to offer. Our kid is excited to join this school in the fall! Thanks for this opportunity.
- Shout-out to our assistant principal, Latoya Graham, for going above and beyond in her role of service! Mrs. Graham always remains positive, professional, and extremely supportive of staff and students at Miles Jones Elementary! We are a better school because of her radiant light!
- Huge shout-out and congratulations to LaTonya Oliver for her promotion! You deserve all the success in the world for the kind, compassionate leadership you have shown the teachers and students at Fox Elementary. Your positive spirit and "can do" attitude will be sorely missed at Fox Elementary. Thank you for lifting us up every day! Congratulations, Principal Oliver!
- I want to say and scream thank you to Mrs. Hayes, the 8th grade counselor, and Mrs. Mary and Mrs. Reynolds!!!! Thank you for welcoming me and my daughter into Boushall with just 2 months left in the school year. Coming from Chesterfield County Public Schools into Richmond Public Schools, I must say this was the best experience for my daughter!!! Teachers and all staff at Boushall, I thank you all for pushing Saturday school to help with SOLs and for helping my daughter pick her grades up!!!!!! I thank you so, so much!!!!!!
- Shout-out to the Sweet Xcape, Unicorn Sweet Treats and Kingzz Water Ice for coming out to Summer Hill Preschool for our Moving On and Up Ceremonies that we had last week. The families and staff really enjoyed the cool treats.
- Congratulations to RCEEA'S 2023 graduates. The ceremony was a wonderful event to celebrate this important milestone. Special thanks to our guest speaker, Ms. Christine Muse, and to Dr. Zenia Burnett for representing VDOE.
- The Oak Grove-Bellemeade staff just wants to send our love and support to the Huguenot Falcons and the entire RPS Family during this time of sadness. Today, our staff wore green and gold to show we are with you and thinking about you! #HuguenotStrong
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Important Links – Last updated on June 8, 2023.
RPS Links
Crisis Support Links
Trauma and Mental Health Resource Links
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