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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Applications for the 2021-2022 school year have closed. Admissions notifications will be available on the Smart Choice portal on March 5. Please visit Enroll RPS for instructions. Families have until March 19 at 11:59PM to accept or decline initial seat offers for the 2021-22 school year. If you have questions, please email enrollrps@rvaschools.net.
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Open Announcements Weekly Newsletter
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Family Video Announcements
District Announcements
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Calendar Conversations - Join RPS for a virtual Calendar Conversation to learn about the proposed 2021-22 RPS calendar, ask questions, and ensure your voice is heard. Conversations will be held in English and Spanish via Zoom for each region of the City, click here to learn more and register!
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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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School Calendar Survey - RPS would like your feedback on the 2021-22 calendar and year-round school options as we consider new approaches to post-COVID instruction. Parents and caregivers should fill out this survey and RPS staff should fill out this survey.
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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 - March 5, 2021
Dear #RPSStrong Family, Happy Friday! I hope you all get a chance to enjoy the sunshine this weekend! Open Enrollment and Specialty School Results – If you applied, you should have received an email today with your results. If you received a seat offer, please remember that the deadline to accept is Friday, March 19, at 11:59 pm. Please don't wait until the very last minute, as we will not be able to make any exceptions to this deadline. Thank you in advance! If you have any questions, please email us at enrollrps@rvaschools.net. Mayor’s Youth Academy – RPS high school students, if you're interested in learning more about how government works and earning some money at the same time, check out the Mayor's Youth Academy summer program (flyer below). Black History Month – Woodville Elementary's annual Black History Living Museum celebrates key figures in African-American history through student presentations and monologues. This year, the theme was "Catalyst of Change". At around minute 9:30, one of the students does a presentation about our very own School Board Chair, Mrs. Cheryl Burke! Women's History Month – Thank you to Dr. Harrison-Jones Fears, the first woman, and first African-American woman, to serve as a superintendent in Virginia, for visiting with our students at John B. Cary Elementary School this week in celebration of Women’s History Month! Make sure to watch this story about the visit by Olivia Jaquith of WRIC. (Click above to read more)!
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RPS Direct Update (PM) - March 4, 2021
Dear #RPSStrong Family, What a beautiful day! Lots to cover this evening, so let's dive in. Calendar Conversations – We're holding four town halls next week to share information about the proposed calendar for next year, gather feedback, and answer any questions you may have. Please see below for dates and times. To register, click here. (Click above to continue reading)!