Press Releases

Richmond, Va. – Richmond City Public Schools announces the sponsorship of the At-Risk After School Meals Program. The same meals will be available at no separate charge to all participants at each site.

In accordance with federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation), disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity.

Program information may be made available in languages other than English. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication to obtain program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language), should contact the responsible state or local agency that administers the program or USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TTY) or contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339.

To file a program discrimination complaint, a Complainant should complete Form AD-3027, USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form which can be obtained online at: https://www.usda.gov/sites/default/files/documents/USDA-OASCR%20P-Complaint-Form-0508-0002-508-11-28-17Fax2Mail.pdf, from any USDA office, by calling (866) 632-9992, or by writing a letter addressed to USDA. The letter must contain the complainant’s name, address, telephone number, and a written description of the alleged discriminatory action in sufficient detail to inform the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights (ASCR) about the nature and date of an alleged civil rights violation. The completed AD-3027 form or letter must be submitted to USDA by:

1. Mail:
   U.S. Department of Agriculture
   Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights
   1400 Independence Avenue, SW
   Washington, D.C. 20250-9410; or

2. Fax:
   (833) 256-1665 or (202) 690-7442; or

3. Email:
   program.intake@usda.gov

This institution is an equal opportunity provider.

Meals will be provided at the following facilities:

Albert Hill Middle School, 3400 Patterson Ave., RVA 23221
Monday – Thursday  3:15 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Armstrong High School, 2300 Cool Lane, RVA 23223
Monday – Friday  4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Barack Obama Elementary School, 3101 Fendall Ave., RVA 23222
Monday – Friday  2:45 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Bellevue Elementary School, 2301 E Grace St., RVA 23223
Monday – Friday  2:45 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Blackwell Elementary School, 300 E 15th St., RVA 23224
Monday – Friday  2:45 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Blackwell Preschool Center, 238 E. 14th St., RVA 23224
Monday - Friday  2:45 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Broad Rock Elementary School, 4615 Ferguson Lane, RVA 23234
Monday – Friday  2:45 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Cardinal Elementary School, 1745 Catalina Dr., RVA 23224
Monday – Friday:  3:15 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Chimborazo Elementary School, 3000 E Marshall St., RVA 23223
Monday – Friday  3:15 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Dogwood Middle School, 1701 Floyd Ave., RVA 23220
Monday – Thursday  3:15 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Elizabeth D. Redd Elementary School, 5601 Jahnke Rd., RVA 23225
Monday – Friday  3:15 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Fairfield Court Elementary School, 2510 Phaup St., RVA 23223
Monday – Friday  2:45 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Frances McClenney Elementary School, 3817 Chamberlayne Ave., RVA 23227
Monday – Friday  3:15 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.

G.H. Reid Elementary School, 1301 Whitehead Rd., RVA 23225
Monday – Friday  2:45 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

George W. Carver Elementary School, 1110 W Leigh St., RVA 23220
Monday – Friday  3:15 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Henry Marsh III Elementary School, 813 N 28th St., RVA 23223
Monday – Friday  2:45 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Huguenot High School, 7945 Forest Hill Ave., RVA 23225
Monday – Thursday  4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

J.B. Fisher Elementary School, 3701 Garden Rd., RVA 23235
Monday – Friday  2:45 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

J.L. Francis Elementary School, 5146 Snead Rd., RVA 23224
Monday – Friday  2:45 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

John Marshall High School, 4225 Old Brook Rd., RVA 23227
Monday – Friday  4:00 p.m. – 5:15 p.m.

Linwood Holton Elementary School, 1600 W. Laburnum Ave., 23227
Monday – Friday  2:45 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Lois Harrison-Jones Elementary School, 3021 Maplewood Ave., RVA 23221
Monday – Friday  2:45 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Lucille M. Brown Middle School, 6300 Jahnke Rd., RVA 23225
Monday – Friday  3:15 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Martin Luther King Jr. Middle School, 1000 Mosby St., RVA 23223
Monday – Friday  3:15 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Mary Munford Elementary School, 211Westmoreland Ave., RVA 23226
Monday – Friday  2:45 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Miles Jones Elementary School, 200 Beaufont Hill Dr., RVA 23225
Monday – Friday  2:45 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Oak Grove Elementary School, 2409 Webber Ave., RVA 23224
Monday – Friday  2:45 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Overby Sheppard Elementary School, 2300 First Ave., RVA 23220
Monday – Friday  2:45 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Patrick Henry School of Science & Arts, 3411 Semmes Ave., RVA 23225
Monday – Friday  2:45 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Richmond High School for the Arts, 4314 Crutchfield St., RVA 23225
Monday – Thursday  4:00 p.m. – 5:15 p.m.

River City Middle School, 6300 Hull Street Rd., RVA 23224
Monday – Friday  4:00 p.m. – 5:15 p.m.

Southampton Elementary School, 3333 Cheverly Rd., RVA 23225
Monday – Friday  2:45 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Swansboro Elementary School, 3160 Midlothian Tpke., RVA 23224
Monday – Friday  2:45 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Thomas C. Boushall Middle School, 3400 Hopkins Rd., RVA 23234
Monday – Friday  3:15 p.m. – 4:45 p.m.

Thomas H. Henderson Middle School, 4319 Old Brook Rd., RVA 23227
Monday – Friday  3:15 p.m. – 4:45 p.m.

Westover Hills Elementary School, 1211 Jahnke Rd., RVA 23225
Monday – Friday  3:15 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.

William Fox Elementary School, 2300 Hanover Ave., RVA 23220
Monday – Friday  2:45 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Woodville Elementary School, 2000 N 28th St., RVA 23223
Monday – Friday  2:45 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Meals will be provided at the facilities listed above, by:

Richmond Public Schools­­­­­
1461 Commerce Road, Suite B
Richmond, Virginia 23224

For further information, please contact Shannon Ebron at 804-780-8240. For additional information, you may also contact the Virginia Department of Education, Office of School Nutrition Programs by calling 804-225-2082.

Richmond, Va. — (August 21, 2024) Richmond Public School leaders gathered today at Thomas Jefferson High School (4100 W. Grace St.) to celebrate the Division’s state-leading growth on the 2023-24 Standards of Learning (SOL) assessments. RPS students made incredible progress, gaining three percentage points in Reading (47% to 50%) three points in Math (44% to 47%), four points in History/Social Studies (39% to 43%); and a massive ten points in Science (35% to 45%) and Writing (39% to 49%).

Richmond, Va. – Richmond Public Schools (RPS) is pleased to announce that all school buildings have passed their fire inspections with no notice of violations ahead of the first day of school. This milestone underscores the Division's commitment to providing a safe and secure learning environment for all students, faculty, and staff. This is the first time that all building inspections have been completed before students return to the building.

Conducted by the Richmond Fire Department (RFD), fire inspections are a critical safety measure that ensure compliance with fire codes and regulations. The inspections involved a thorough evaluation of fire safety equipment, emergency exits, fire alarms, and sprinkler systems to ensure all equipment met the highest safety standards. Inspections began on May 21, 2024, and concluded on July 18, 2024.

"We're grateful for the strong partnership with RFD, which enabled us to begin conversations and upgrades earlier in the year," said Dana Fox, Chief Operating Officer of RPS. “Conversations with the Fire Department began earlier in the year — as did preliminary and official walkthroughs — allowing us additional time to address any findings ahead of the first day of school."

“Our approach to fire inspections at schools this year was a coordinated effort with Richmond Public Schools, undertaken with the safety of all Richmond residents in mind," said Richmond Fire Department Chief Melvin Carter. "Our success is due to the planning, coordination and collaboration between RFD and RPS's Facilities and Risk Management teams, which facilitated the swift implementation of any necessary upgrades. We're pleased to be able to give parents and community members peace of mind as the city gears up for the next school year."

This proactive approach to safety allows teachers, parents, and students to start the school year with confidence and peace of mind. RPS will continue to work closely with local fire and safety officials to uphold the highest safety standards.

Richmond, Va. – Richmond City Public Schools today shared its policy for providing free meals to all students served under the National School Lunch and School Breakfast Programs. Each school as well as the RPS School Nutrition Office has a copy of the policy, which may be reviewed by any interested party.

All schools in the Division will be participating in the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) as implemented under the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010. Students attending a participating school will be provided a nutritious meal for breakfast and lunch each day at no charge to the household. Households will not be required to submit a meal application form to receive meals at no charge. Each household will receive a letter informing them of the program, including contact information for any questions.

Any questions can be directed to:

Shannon Ebron, Director of School Nutrition Services
1461 Commerce Road
Facility Services, Suite B
Richmond, VA 23224
Phone: 804-780-8216
Email: schoolnutrition@rvaschools.net

USDA Nondiscrimination Statement

In accordance with federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation), disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity.

Program information may be made available in languages other than English. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication to obtain program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language), should contact the responsible state or local agency that administers the program or USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TTY) or contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339.

To file a program discrimination complaint, a Complainant should complete a Form AD-3027, USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form which can be obtained online at:
https://www.usda.gov/sites/default/files/documents/USDA-OASCR%20P-Complaint-Form-
0508-0002-508-11-28-17Fax2Mail.pdf, from any USDA office, by calling (866) 632-9992, or by writing a letter addressed to USDA. The letter must contain the complainant’s name, address, telephone number, and a written description of the alleged discriminatory action in sufficient detail to inform the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights (ASCR) about the nature and date of an alleged civil rights violation. The completed AD-3027 form or letter must be submitted to USDA by:

1. mail:
U.S. Department of Agriculture
Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights
1400 Independence Avenue, SW
Washington, D.C. 20250-9410; or

2. fax: (833) 256-1665 or (202) 690-7442; or

3. email: program.intake@usda.gov

This institution is an equal opportunity provider.

Richmond, Va. – Today, Superintendent Jason Kamras, Mayor Levar Stoney, elected officials, community partners, and volunteers gathered at the Greater Richmond Convention Center for the Seventh Annual Ultimate Backpack Supply Drive. The drive, presented by CoStar Group and hosted by Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU), provides essential school supplies to students in Richmond Public Schools (RPS) and other local school divisions.

“CoStar Group's involvement in the Ultimate Backpack Supply Drive underscores our commitment to supporting the educational journey of students in Richmond,” said CoStar Vice President of Research, Brad McGetrick. “By providing essential school supplies, we aim to empower students and set them up for a successful academic year.” 

In the past six years, the Ultimate Backpack Supply Drive has distributed more than 112,000 backpacks, thanks to the generous support of so many civic and business partnerships. This year's partners include CoStar Group, Estes Express Lines, Packaging Corporate America, VCU Alumni, Dominion Energy, Target, and many others.

“Preparing students to return back to school can create a huge financial burden for families, and so to be able to partner with the businesses and organizations here today, and relieve some of that stress for our families, is incredible,” said Richmond Superintendent Jason Kamras. “We are immensely grateful to our community partners and volunteers for their continued support.”

Once all of the supplies have been packed by  volunteers, they will then be loaded onto trucks and delivered to schools for distribution to students and families. “Estes is proud to be a partner of this important back-to-school event,” said Will Hupp, Director of Hub Operations at Estes Express Lines. “We’re doing what we do best by delivering the school supplies to area schools to make sure everyone has what they need to start the new school year off strong.”

Richmond's mayor was one such volunteer today. “For the past several years, the Ultimate Backpack Supply Drive has been a highlight of the back-to-school season, providing thousands of families peace of mind that their children will have the supplies they need for the school year,” said Mayor Levar Stoney. “This initiative would not have been possible without the tireless efforts of our volunteers, our partners, and the community. Together, we are making a tangible difference in the lives of our young learners. I look forward to seeing this event continue for years to come.”

“The Ultimate Backpack Supply Drive started as a dream seven years ago — that no child in Richmond Public Schools should worry about having the supplies they need to be successful in school,” said Seventh District School Board Representative Cheryl Burke, the former principal of Chimborazo Elementary School in Richmond. “We are so grateful for CoStar Group, VCU, and the broader Richmond community for coming together, year after year, to make this dream a reality. Because of these partnerships, each child in the Richmond Metro area will start out on even footing.”

RPS is excited to welcome back students and staff to their classrooms on Monday, August 19. Thanks to these amazing community partners, RPS students will be prepared to learn.