| Thursday, October 28, 2021
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| Important Reminders – Please note the following:
- Next Week – All RPS schools and offices are completely closed from Monday, November 1 through Thursday, November 4. Friday, November 5, is a Parent/Teacher Conference Day so there are no classes for students. Parent/teacher conferences will be held virtually (by phone or video). All staff will work virtually that day from home (not at school or the central office).
- Health Benefits – RPS employees, the open enrollment window for your 2022 benefits closes TOMORROW, October 29. Click here to access the online benefits system 24/7. Your pin is a six-digit number, consisting of the last four of your SSN, followed by the last two digits of your birth year.
- Principal Award – The deadline to nominate your principal for the R.E.B. Awards for Distinguished Educational Leadership is just around the corner on Thursday, November 4! We have incredible principals at RPS and we'd love for them to be honored with this prestigious recognition. Winners will receive a $10,000 award and an additional $20,000 for their school so submit your nomination today!
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| Discounts for RPS Staff – Margo Buchanan, RPS’s Manager of Trauma Responsive Strategy, put a request out to RVA businesses to see if they might offer discounts for RPS employees during our mental health break next week. The response was overwhelming! Within days, over 40 businesses and organizations in Richmond committed to offering deep discounts for RPS employees – on everything from entertainment to wellness to delicious food (make sure to check all 4 tabs of the spreadsheet)! Huge thanks to all of the local businesses who stepped up to #ServeWithLove, and kudos to Margo for making it all happen and showing what it means to #LeadWithLove!
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| RPS Live! Recap – We had a great discussion about School Applications last night! Thank you to Luke Hostetter, Director of Strategic Planning, for explaining how everything works, and to RPS parent Raqiyah Cooper for sharing her invaluable insights and advice to those considering applying. More information can be found on our website and you can always email enrollrps@rvaschools.net with any questions or concerns.
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| RPS School Librarian on Jeopardy! – Make sure to watch Jeopardy! this Monday, November 1, so you can cheer on Carrie Bruner, the amazing school librarian at Barack Obama Elementary School! Good luck, Mrs. Bruner!
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| With great appreciation,
Jason
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- Today, our Fairfield Court Elementary scholars participated in The Great Pumpkin Festival on our back lawn. Teachers read It's The Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown and had STEM and ELA activities to accompany their reading. After hearing the story, students were escorted to the FCES Pumpkin Patch. Our pumpkins were donated by one of our community partners, Liberation Church. Students were able to walk through our pumpkin patch and each child was able to leave school today with their very own pumpkin!!
- I would like to send a shout-out to my principal, Dr. Probst, for going the extra mile to take care of Blackwell Preschool's faculty, staff, children, and families. I am grateful to her for the gift she extended to me today so that I could place my scores online. She recognizes the challenges that many of us face. Thanks bunches, Dr. Probst! You are certainly appreciated!!!
- I would like to shout out Scholar Cardwell for her support of the students and staff at Boushall Middle School! Her unwavering dedication is appreciated!
- I wanted to reach out to let you know the valuable community service that three of Richmond's art teachers have done. Three art teachers, Lauren Bleam (Huguenot HS), Kirstie Hein Sadler, NBCT (Binford MS), and Natalie Patino-Wright (LM Brown MS), have done extensive research and curriculum development around Mending Walls within their classroom. They have done some outstanding things. The three teachers gave up their planning time to present to pre-service art education students. They also had the honor of being selected to present their work to art teachers from across the state at the Virginia Art Education Association annual conference earlier in the month. Well done!
- I would like to shout out Mrs. Monica Murray. Since becoming the leader that we needed, she has continuously kept us focused on love! Love for children, love for teaching, and love for one another. She brings an energy that is unmatched every day! She is a creator and an innovator! She makes working at John Marshall High School fun and has increased morale tremendously. She treats everyone with respect and is always there to lend a listening ear. This is what the JM family is all about. John Marshall has truly been blessed by her presence! Mrs. Murray, we love you and there is nothing you can do about it!!!
- I would like to shout out to Mr. Comly, a 7th grade teacher at River City Middle School, who came up with a great design and implementation to help all teachers with behavior issues in the classroom. The simple form allows the students to be in charge of their own choices in the classroom and how they are affecting grades and other students' learning. Thank you for sharing!!
- I would like to give a shout to Mr. Espinal on the 8th grade team at River City Middle School. He is always the teacher to step up with suggestions and strategies for the team and the school. Thanks for being you!!!
- I would like to give a shout out to River City Middle School librarians, Mrs. McQueen and Mrs. Hayes. They have helped so many students with their computer issues and do this on a daily basis. I appreciate all you do to help our students!!!!!!!!!!
- I would like to shout out Mr. Bennett, the ICC at John B. Cary Elementary. He goes above and beyond to support students and staff and is committed to making sure all students feel safe and cared for at school. We appreciate you, Mr. Bennett!
- I'd like to highlight Frankie-Lynn Conklin, K-2 teacher at Amelia Street School. Every day, Ms. Conklin goes above and beyond for our students. She is an amazing teacher and she is so patient each and every moment throughout the day.
- Here's a shout out to Barbara Haas at Boushall Middle School for taking 40 6th graders to the book release of Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Big Shot, a drive-thru event at The Diamond. The Diary of a Wimpy Kid books are a favorite; the students were excited to attend and meet Jeff Kinney, the author of the series.
- I just want to reach out and let you know what a wonderful and caring staff you have at Southampton Elementary. My son's development in Ms. Cherisse Williams class has been nothing short of extraordinary. He has gone from willful and disobedient to a calm, model student. Though he still has outbursts, I give full credit to Ms. Williams and Ms. Brown for helping him focus and show what an intelligent little boy he is. During virtual learning, he transitioned back into Ms. Angles' class part-time, and I must say he is not the same child as when he first entered kindergarten. The staff has been understanding and supportive throughout his school journey and I am grateful that we found such a caring home for my son!
- I want to give a huge shout-out to Dr. Robinson, the principal, and Mr. Gail, the assistant principal, at Richmond Virtual Academy. I know I am fortunate to have them both in my corner as my leadership team. Their honesty, drive, and dedication to staff, children, and families is obvious. I am very proud to be a part of the Richmond Virtual Academy family.
- Ms. Emily Spencer and Ms. Tomorrow Lofton-Pickens, with Richmond Virtual Academy, thank you for being true team members who I know I can count on. Thank you for caring about the children and families we serve.
- The River City Middle School LIEP teachers are an amazing bunch – Ms. Hurwitt, Mr. Park, Ms. McDevitt, Ms. Winthrop, Ms. Kim, Ms. Davis, and Mrs. Ellwanger. They are the most adaptive, most flexible, and hardest working people I know. They're also always willing to go the extra mile to support each other, their students, and our school community.
- I would like to shout out Ms. Murphy-Braxton for listening to feedback from staff and making changes that included staff ideas in the process. Everyone likes to talk about the need for collaboration, but Ms. Murphy-Braxton truly models what that looks like. We are lucky to have her.
- Shout out to Ms. Amy Nugent, Ms. Sydney Butterworth, and Ms. Rachel Duffy. Thank you for giving so much of your time not only to your students but to their teachers as well to make sure our kiddos are getting comprehensive services. The students are lucky to have therapists such as you.
- Shout out to the Encore team members at Richmond Virtual Academy, Ms. Robin Jones (library), Ms. Taylor (music), Ms. Carreras (art), and Mr. Miles (physical education). Your hard work and dedication in making sure all our children get the services they deserve do not go unnoticed. We appreciate and thank you.
- Shout out to Ms. Elise Boyd, ICC with the Richmond Virtual Academy. Thank you for always showing up for us. Your heart is always in the right place for our kiddos and for the teachers you supervise.
- I would like to give a shout-out to Mr. Youakim at Chimborazo Elementary School! Mr. Y has had such a positive impact on the school community during his time on staff and is always willing to do whatever is needed. He jumps right into helping students – from covering classes to supporting teachers in the classrooms. It is clear he is willing to help the students however needed, but it's even clearer how much the students appreciate his kindness and interest in their learning! Thanks for always going above and beyond for our students, Mr. Y!
- I'd like to send a shout-out to Mrs. Katrina Holmes, one of the assistant principals at Cardinal Elementary! Mrs. Holmes is an awesome leader, who is always understanding, supportive, and kind. Her leadership is encouraging and positive, and I feel like she is always here to help! Thank you, Mrs. Holmes!!!
- Shout to Ms. Dennis from Miles Jones ES! She is an amazing first grade teacher, collaborates with staff, and is so friendly! You rock, Ms. Dennis!
- I would like to give a huge shout-out to Ms. Quintett Bowers, student intervention liaison at Bellevue Elementary School, for her organization and leadership in the Extended Day Program. Not only are students actively engaged in academic instruction, but she has selflessly taken over instruction for a PreK classroom. Leading with Love! Thank you for being such a team player! After observing her structured routine of "Linner," outdoor play, and reading, the K and 5th-grade classrooms were actively leading rigorous instruction as well.
- I would like to send a huge thank you to Ro Stark! My teammate always goes above and beyond to ensure everyone feels supported. Thank you for teaching me something new today. You are the definition of leading with love!
- Kudos to Armstrong High School bus drivers for doubling up their loads today. Afternoon pickup drivers of buses 314 and 302, we appreciate you! Thanks so much.
- I would like to give a shout-out to Dr. Robinson of Richmond Virtual Academy for her tireless efforts to ensure teachers, staff, and students have what they need to be successful.
- I would like to give a shout-out to Mr. Gail of Richmond Virtual Academy for reminding me of the big picture. Your reminder means a lot! Keep on keeping on.
- I would like to give a shout-out to Mr. Carreras, the art teacher for the Richmond Virtual Academy. The scholars rave about your class. Thank you for your inclusion and care for all scholars.
- I would like to give a shout-out to Mr. Miles, the health and PE teacher for the Richmond Virtual Academy. The scholars rave about your class. Thank you for your inclusion and care for all scholars.
- I would like to give a shout-out to Ms. Taylor, the music teacher for the Richmond Virtual Academy. The scholars rave about your class. Thank you for your inclusion and care for all scholars.
- I would like to give a shout-out to Ms. Westbrook who is always willing to help out. The scholars love her and are grateful for your presence.
- I would like to give a shout-out to Ms. Mayo. Your impact on scholars and teachers has not gone without notice. Keep doing what you do – you are appreciated.
- A word of thanks to my daughter’s teacher Allison Drieling and for all the staff at PHSSA. Ms. Drieling does a tremendous job in the classroom and our daughter and her friends love her. The school staff has been supportive – whenever I’ve stopped by the school there’s been someone to help me with my question; and COVID protocols (in addition to everything else needed for a safe and nurturing environment) seem to be well in place.
- The Kindergarten team at Linwood Holton Elementary created a Pumpkin Patch "Field Trip" for our students today and it was amazing. Judging by the photos and videos shared with me from my child's teacher, there were student name tags, cardboard cutouts of buses to "ride," and each child got to pick their very own pumpkin. Thank you to Ms. Scambos, Mrs. Forshay, Ms. Jones, Mrs. Lichtman and Ms. Spurlock for making this tradition happen for our children. Your creativity and effort is greatly appreciated!
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| Non-COVID Student Immunizations – Per the Virginia Department of Health, students need a number of non-COVID vaccinations to enroll in school this year. If your student is still in need of immunizations, please call one of the numbers below and schedule an appointment ASAP. Make sure to get written confirmation of your appointment.
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| 2022-23 School Applications – The application window for families to submit Open Enrollment, Specialty School, and Governor’s School applications for the 2022-23 school year is now open. Via the Enroll RPS Portal, students may apply for:
- Any specialty school for which they are eligible (specialty schools include Franklin Military Academy, Open High School, Richmond Community High School, Governor’s STEM Academy at Richmond Technical Center, and the IB Diploma Programme at Thomas Jefferson High School (for rising 11th-grade students))
- Out-of-zone schools via the open enrollment lottery (maximum of three school choices)
- Patrick Henry School of Science and Arts (charter school) via a separate open enrollment lottery (if eligible)
- Appomattox Regional Governor’s School and/or Maggie L. Walker Governor’s School (the application for CodeRVA is managed separately by that school)
A few important notes:
- Families will have until 4:30 pm on Wednesday, December 1, 2021 to submit Specialty and Governor’s school applications, and until 4:30 pm on Tuesday, February 1, 2022 to submit open enrollment applications.
- 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 rvaschools.net/enroll when our new website is live.
- If you have additional questions, please email us at enrollrps@rvaschools.net.
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| Bus Driver Incentives – As a reminder, we now have a $4,000 signing bonus for bus drivers 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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| Important Links – Last updated on October 18, 2021.
RPS Links
COVID-19 Links
Crisis Support Links
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