RPS Direct Newsletter

Dear #RPSStrong Family, 

As I have shared many times over the past several weeks, this has been a particularly challenging year for RPS – and for just about every school district across the country. The pandemic has profoundly affected our students and staff, and we're only now seeing the full impact. 

Dear #RPSStrong Family, 

Tonight's updates:

Armstrong-Walker Classic Spirit – The Armstrong-Walker Classic was a legendary football game between Armstrong High School and Maggie L. Walker High School occurring every Saturday after Thanksgiving from 1939 to 1978. This Saturday, November 27, Richmond is hosting a day full of events – including a football game, free family activities, and more – to honor the history of the Classic and promote unity within our community.

Dear #RPSStrong Family, 

Tonight's updates:

More COVID-19 Vaccination Clinics – As you may have seen in my daily COVID-19 Update, we had NO new COVID cases today! Let's keep this trend going. Our next next vaccination clinic is tomorrow, November 20, at George Wythe HS, from 10 am - 3 pm. Please see below for information about all of our upcoming vaccination events.

Yale National Initiative – In September, we announced the eight RPS teachers who participated in the Yale National Initiative (YNI) to Strengthen Teaching in Public Schools. Earlier this month, the inspiring Alani Boyd, 5th grader at Chimborazo ES, spoke to a panel of teachers, school administrators, and Yale professors (!) about her experience with the YNI curriculum unit created by her teacher, Tara McCrones. Alani shared what it was like to learn about immigration, race, and class through the book Esperanza Rising. Alani also shared how this inspired her to research more about social justice and her hero, Michelle Obama. Please take a few minutes to watch the video below – it will make you so proud to be a part of the RPS family!

Student Advisory Council Student Spotlight – Enormous gratitude to Anthony Rodriguez-Ortiz, George Wythe HS Senior, for serving as the student representative to the School Board for the month of November! Anthony is a member of my Student Advisory Council (SAC), helping shape policy and decision-making. It was a pleasure having Anthony with us this month and we look forward to hearing more from our student representatives this year.

Calendar Reminder – Don't forget that Thanksgiving Break runs from Wednesday, November 24, through Friday, November 26. Classes will resume on Monday, November 29. Please note that Wednesday, November 24, is a work day for 12-month employees. 

Giving Tuesday – RPS teachers, are you looking for some extra supplies for your classroom? Make sure to create a DonorsChoose project before Giving Tuesday (November 30) when donations will be matched by at least 50%! 

With great appreciation,

Jason 

Dear #RPSStrong Family, 

Tonight's updates:

RPS Live! Recap – Last night, we had a powerful conversation with members of our Engagement Office about the work they do to build relationships with families in support of our students. Thank you to Dr. Erin Brown, Director of Family and Community Engagement, Mike Liggans, Senior Hub Coordinator, and Katrina Jackson, Family Liaison, for serving our families with so much love – and thank you for taking a break from knocking on 1,200+ doors a day to join us on RPS Live!

Before watching the episode, please note that we had a brief conversation about suicide that may be difficult for some viewers. If you, or someone you know, needs mental health support, please reach out using the resources below:

• Richmond Behavioral Health Authority (Child/Adult Mental Health) – (804) 819-4100
• ChildSavers Immediate Response Helpline (Child Mental Health) – (804) 305-2420
• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline – (800) 273-8255

Mental Health Supports for Students – Building off our conversation last night, you may recall that I recently announced that we'd be reallocating $3 million of our federal relief funding to increase mental health supports for our students. Before we make this investment, we want to hear from you. How would you spend these dollars? More counselors? Social workers? Mindfulness supports? I especially want to hear from students so please share the survey link with the young people in your life. Thank you in advance for taking the time to share your perspective on this incredibly important topic.

RPS Family Support Line Hours – If you family needs any assistance, make sure to call the RPS Family Support Line at (804) 780-6195. Its new hours of operation are 8 am - 1 pm, Monday - Friday (except during holidays and RPS closures).

Dear #RPSStrong Family, 

Tonight's updates:

RPS Live! – I'm excited to be joined by members of our Engagement Office on tonight's episode of RPS Live! We'll hear from Dr. Erin Brown, Director of Family and Community Engagement, Mike Liggans, Senior Hub Coordinator, and Katrina Jackson, Family Liaison, about their work to build authentic relationships with parents, caregivers, and students to foster trust and enhance communication. I hope you can join us at 7 pm on the RPS Facebook page.

STEM at Richmond Technical Center – The Governor’s Career and Technical Education Academy for STEM at Richmond Technical Center will be holding a Virtual Open House for rising 9th grade students on Thursday, November 18, at 6:30 pm. Click here to learn more. You can check out other Specialty and Governor's School virtual open houses here.