| Wednesday, September 8, 2021
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| We're back! After 544 days, our doors are open once again. I had the pleasure of visiting five schools this morning in the East End and I was reminded why we call this the #RPSStrong family. I saw enthusiastic and eager students, creative and dedicated teachers and staff, and compassionate and resilient parents and caregivers.
Most of all, I saw lots of smiling faces (behind masks, of course :). Though a little nervous, most of the children I spoke to were very excited – excited to see their friends and teachers, excited to learn new things, and excited to feel some normalcy. We still have a long road ahead, but I'm filled with so much optimism after spending time with our incredible students and staff this morning.
As we head into Day 2, we still need to fix a few things, most notably some wrinkles with our bus routes. I sincerely apologize to any family that had incorrect or incomplete bus stop information. Please check here for the most up-to-date routes and keep an eye out for Remind messages alerting you to any changes we make in response to ridership levels, family feedback, and driver availability. If you have not signed up for Remind, please do so here.
Also, don't forget that we have a 100% mask-wearing policy while on RPS property. This applies to everyone, including parents and caregivers. Thank you for helping us keep everyone safe.
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| Today will long be remembered not only as the day we returned to school amidst a global pandemic, but also as the day that Richmond finally rid itself of the Lee Monument. As the menacing figure was lifted from its pedestal, I was across town at the brand new Henry L. Marsh III Elementary School – a beautiful 21st Century monument to a fearless civil rights lawyer who became Richmond's first Black mayor.
As we celebrate Lee's departure, let's also remember and honor the countless heroic individuals – some famous, most not – who have worked for centuries to change not just the physical landscape in Richmond, but also the political, economic, and social one. Let's also resolutely support those who continue this fight today.
At RPS, one way we're aiming to pay homage to Richmonders who have long fought for justice is with an initiative called "Monumental Conversations," an augmented reality app that will bring new context to the history of Monument Avenue and Arthur Ashe Boulevard through the lens of Black resilience. You're all invited to the formal launch of the app on September 12 via the RPS Facebook page. We hope you can join!
With great appreciation,
Jason
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- I want to shout out 3 individuals at Westover Hills whose behind-the-scenes work has been off-the-charts amazing. First, our exceptional librarian: Melanie Barker. She wears many hats at our school and has been working tirelessly this week to distribute textbooks, launch our 100 Book Challenge, get our new website ready, and she even stayed late this afternoon to finish distributing chromebooks to every classroom. She is the epitome of a “quiet giant” on our team. Next, our longtime custodian Pam Williams. Pam has been holding down the fort for our custodial team this week, stepping up to lead the extra custodians who have come to support and working non-stop to move desks, tables, old computers, and the seemingly endless bags of trash. Earlier this summer, she was an instrumental part of the “painting crew” that painted the tiles in our hallways and the accent walls in our classrooms. Finally, a huge shout-out to our Community In Schools Site Coordinator, Lindsay Wilson. She just joined our team in April and she is already an invaluable asset to our school community. She was our Welcome Back Bash *Captain* and without a doubt, she steered that ship with finesse and expertise. It feels like a professional event organizer has come on our team because anything she coordinates—from Westover Wednesdays to today’s welcome back event—is superbly planned out to the smallest detail. Kudos to you!
- From the moment I set foot on Henderson’s campus there has been one person who has truly made the biggest difference for me, Ms. Chamara McCray! As soon as she saw me, face masked & all, she excitedly greeted me by name. She made sure I had everything I needed, showed me where things were located and really welcomed me with open, loving arms to the Henderson family. Being around Ms. McCray makes you forget the pandemic ever happened because she exudes this amazing energy full of positivity, happiness & joy! Throughout these past weeks of preparing my classroom and attending PD, my family lost my beloved grandfather. When I notified Ms. McCray that I needed help putting in my time, she treated me more like a sister than a coworker. She stopped what she was doing, brought me in her office and truly helped me through the process while also making sure I was ok. This meant the world to me and helped me realize that even as a teacher, it’s ok to be human and that I have support all around me.
- I would like to send a special shout out to Ms. F. Smith, principal, Mr. Anderson, custodian, Ms. R. Anderson, cafeteria manager, Mrs. Martin, and the entire PHSSA staff for all their hard to keep our little ones safe. Keep up the great work.
- I would like to give a shout-out to the Linwood Holton custodians who have been working diligently to keep up with cleaning our building. I would also like to give a shout out to Mr. Patterson who is a former custodian at our school who went above and beyond to do not only his job, but also to create relationships and mentor children in the school building on his breaks!
- Fairfield Court Elementary School was highlighted today for excellent collaboration between CIS, family liaisons, and social workers on attendance. "The Trio," as they have been named, presented today about their successful strategies. Way to go Shy Hicks, Suzie Bevins, and Marquis Davis.
- I would like to give a huge shout out to the teachers, staff, parents and students of Oak Grove-Bellemeade Elementary School for a great open house. Special shout out to our custodian, Mr. Williamson, and our super office team, Mrs. Brittani and Ms. Tina. You guys did a wonderful job and we appreciate your hard work and dedication to us!
- We'd like to give a shout out to our Oak Grove-Bellemeade Elementary faculty, staff, office team, custodians, students, and families for a great open house. It was great to connect with each of you. Thank you for your continued support and partnership. You all are champions!
- I would like to give a shout out to Markus Sailes. He has such an awesome attitude and works well with the students. Thank you!
- I would like to give congratulations and kudos to Mr. Theron Sampson, new Interim Principal at Swansboro Elementary School. Mr. Sampson did a phenomenal job at G.W. Carver Elementary School and during his first year as a summer school principal. He is a professional and he will go to even greater heights in the educational world. He will sorely be missed. Again, congratulations Mr. Sampson!
- Shout out to Mrs. A. Johnson. She is blessing during these hard times for families and students. She shows that she cares about the students as if they’re her family. She even made a home visit to bring supplies to my granddaughter. Thanks for everything you have done and God bless you and your family.
- I want to give a huge shout-out to the following teachers and friends of Barack Obama Elementary for giving up their Labor Day holiday to do paint touch-up in the cafeteria for the students' return: Marybeth Ryan, Rebecca Wood, Joy Smith, Monica Thomas-Moore, George Harple, Bill Thurston and Jacqueline Drye. Thank you for giving your time to provide a welcoming environment for our students.
- Shoutout to the Payroll Team. They are always available and helpful. I appreciate all of them.
- I would like to give a shout-out to Mr. Kevin Ingram, a fifth grade teacher at J.H. Blackwell Elementary School. He worked very hard Friday to help me resolve a technology issue.
- I'd like to send a huge shout out to our Richmond Virtual Academy Owl Help Desk: Librarian Robin Jones, School Counselor Traci Holmes, ELA Coach Tamara Williams, Math Coach Carmen Brown, and ITRT Joselyn Verdi!!! This outstanding Nurturing Educational Support Team (NEST) made sure that any preschool and elementary school family that still needed support getting started in their virtual classes received the help and they did this with kindness, patience and love:) #rvaowls
- Much gratitude for Principal Peck and Assistant Principal Gross for the virtual tour of Chimborazo. My little girl had never stepped foot in the school and your detailed and comprehensive video alleviated so much anxiety for us both!
- Shout out to the River City Middle School Team on a great first day of school! Every single Red Tail was doing their part to make new and returning families and students feel welcomed, and it was obvious administration and staff were ready! Well done!
- Thank you to the staff at Francis Elementary, especially Ms. Homsley, who welcomed her students back with open arms!
- Thank you to Ms. Rahmah Johnson, counselor at Thomas Jefferson, who eased my fears about my son riding the bus this year without his siblings. High school or not, parents still have to be reassured. Ms. Johnson always goes the extra mile for the students at TJ!
- The Miles Jones office staff shined through every challenge. They worked together and solved every need. A special thank you to Mr. Green, Ms. Gutierrez, Ms. Evans, and Ms. Griffin for a job well done! We are so grateful to each family today for their patience and understanding.
- I want to shout out the entire team at Holton ES for giving scholars a great first day! From the moment you walk in the door, you know you are in a positive, safe space. The kids and adults are excited about learning and growing in friendship. Problem solving was team-oriented, and you could see the power of this community very quickly. This is a place our students are going to want to keep showing up at, and that is teaching with love! It's a pleasure getting to work with you during BTS, Holton team. :-)
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| Health and Safety Protocols Video – To learn about our COVID-19 health and safety protocols, please tale a few minutes to watch this short video.
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| Waitlist for Richmond Virtual Academy (RVA) – Click here to add your student's name to the waitlist for Richmond Virtual Academy.
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| Homeschooling Option – If you're interested in homeschooling your student, please complete this form and email Valenta Wade at vwade@rvaschools.net. Note that you may return to your RPS school at any time.
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| Bus Driver Incentives - We now have a $4,000 retention bonus for current bus drivers and a $4,000 signing bonus for new hires with a CDL. New hires without a CDL will receive $2,000. Check out the flyer below for more details and apply at www.rvaschools.net/talent.
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| COVID-19 Vaccination Mandate – All employees should have received an email with instructions on how to upload proof of full vaccination by October 1. The subject line is COVID-19 Vaccination Documentation - Richmond City Public Schools. Please make sure to check your RPS account, not your personal one. A few notes:
- Please visit vaccinate.virginia.gov if you need a copy of your vaccination record or need to schedule an appointment to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.
- If you would like to apply for a medical or religious exemption, please contact the Talent Office at talentoffice@rvaschools.net. Anyone granted an exemption will need to provide proof of a negative COVID test on a weekly basis.
- To assist our employees, we're working with the Richmond City Health District to set up several mobile vaccination clinics just for RPS staff. We'll have dates and locations next week.
- If you have any other questions, please reach out to the Talent Office at the email above.
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| Important Links – Last updated on September 8, 2021.
RPS Links
COVID-19 Links
Crisis Support Links
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