Principal Message
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Welcome to Open High!
Thank you for visiting our website to learn more about our special program. This school year is one of many firsts, but our mission to develop intellectually curious and socially responsible students is steadfast. Obviously the pandemic has forced us to make changes, but it has also forced us to reflect more on how we can best serve adolescent learners. We learned quickly that there are many drawbacks to virtual learning, the biggest being the simple yet profound loss of human proximity and connection. Maintaining a connection continues to be a primary goal of Open High as we move into the spring semester. The community circle model--which we continue to practice in Family--is a move to accomplish this and may also be practiced in core courses so teachers and students can continue to build trusting relationships. And because we believe that student voice is essential to growth, we invite students to share their ideas, their questions, and their struggles every single day. Our hard-working teachers are committed to providing a supportive space for students to tackle complex reading, multi-step equations, or just wonder out loud about the world around them.
Just like our students, Open High will only remain strong if we continue to grow and improve. For example, recently a team of teachers examined our admissions process to address concerns about equity. We feel passionately that diversity is a strength that makes Open a dynamic place to learn, and we hope changes to our process can help us maintain a school that represents all of Richmond. If you have any questions about this year or an Open education, don't hesitate to contact us at cwashing@rvaschools.net or at (804) 229-9961.
Be well, stay safe, and keep celebrating Open minds!
Clary Carleton
Open HS Announcements
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Parent Teacher Conferences are scheduled for Friday, April 23, 8:00-4:30. Please sign up to meet with individual teachers here. THERE WILL BE NO SCHOOL FOR STUDENTS ON THIS DAY.
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If you are a parent of a 9th or 11th grader, please complete, the RPS Parent Intent Survey for SOL Testing if you haven't already. The deadline has been extended to Friday, April 23.
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The 2021-2022 Course Selection process for current grades 9-11 has begun! Please review the documents below which explain how to access SchooLinks and request courses. The Course Request deadline has been extended to April 20. If you have any questions, please contact our School Counselor, Micah Davis, at mdavis7@rvaschools.net.If you will be new to Open next year, we will host a Family Info Night on April 28 at 6 pm to discuss Course Selection. See email for Zoom link.
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Open Announcements Weekly Newsletter
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Family Video Announcements
District Announcements
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Student & Family Community Conversations - We, as many of our families, are eager to open our doors to our students and staff this Fall! In preparation, check out the virtual, in-person, and community events we will be hosting throughout the Spring and Summer to ensure our communities are prepared, informed, and excited to #ReopenWithLove2.0!
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Spring 2021 In-Person Testing Intent Form - Standards of Learning (SOL) Assessments are approaching and we want families to understand their options when it comes to testing. To review options and let us know of your intentions for the Spring SOL assessments, please visit www.rvaschools.net/sol and complete the survey by April 23, 2021.
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The 2021 Virtual Fine Arts Festival is Live! - Come celebrate the artistic expression of our students! Each year, RPS hosts a Fine Arts Festival to culminate Arts in Our Schools Month. This year is slightly different because it is being held virtually! Check out our student's work and join the conversation of the impact of art in our lives!
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RPS Reopening Dashboard - Click here to download the latest update of the RPS Reopening Dashboard.
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RPS Staff First Dose COVID-19 Vaccination - Please complete this form if you are seeking an appointment for your first dose of the COVID-19 vaccination. We will contact you as soon as we have information about the next vaccination event.
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#ReopenWithLove - For the latest information and resources for families, visit the #ReopenWithLove section of our website. It includes the most current information about meal distribution and other critical information.
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Family Support Helpline - Questions about reopening? Call the RPS Family Support Helpline at (804) 780-6195 and learn more about other resources available to families.
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Support RPS - There are many ways to support RPS and #ServeWithLove! Please consider volunteering, donating, or partnering with us, and for new and existing partners, don't forget to add your organization to our new searchable partnership database!
"RPS Direct" Emails from Superintendent Kamras
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RPS Direct Update - April 22, 2021
Dear #RPSStrong Family, Just a few quick updates tonight: Course Selection – The deadline for 6th-11th graders to select courses for next year via SchoolLinks has been extended until May 7. Students can access SchooLinks by going to Clever and choosing the SchooLinks icon. Please reach out to your school counselor if you have questions. DonorsChoose – On Tuesday, May 4, starting at 7 am, every donation to an RPS project on DonorsChoose will be matched 50% thanks to SONIC Drive-In (while funds last). This means that a $20 donation will become a $30 donation, a $100 donation will become a $150 donation, and so on. Teachers: whether you need books for your students, a new coding kit, or something else entirely, now is a great time to create a project on DonorsChoose! Donors: Check out the RPS DonorsChoose page on Tuesday, May 4, to help fund these great projects!
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RPS Direct Update - April 21, 2021
Dear #RPSStrong Family, Today is National Administrative Professionals Day and I'd like to send a very special shout-out to my amazing colleague Mildred DeLoatch, who does a whole lot of magic behind the scenes to help me do my job and keep RPS running. Thank you, Mildred! Please send your shout-outs to recognize the wonderful administrative professionals in our schools and offices and I’ll be sure to include them in RPS Direct. Today's updates: COVID-19 Vaccine – Earlier this week, Virginia entered Phase 2 of the COVID-19 vaccine rollout. In Phase 2, everyone 16 and older is eligible to receive the vaccine, which includes many of our high school students. Right now, 16 and 17-year-olds only qualify for the Pfizer vaccine and a parent must be present. To schedule an appointment, please register at www.vaccinate.virginia.gov. For additional resources and FAQs about the vaccine, visit the VDH website.