RPS Direct Newsletter

Dear #RPSStrong Family,

Tonight's updates:

Crossing Guard Appreciation Day – We have an incredible team of crossing guards who help our students get to and from school safely every day. In honor of Crossing Guard Appreciation Day, please take an extra minute to thank them! Please also join me in congratulating Richmond's Most Outstanding Crossing Guards of 2022!

• Javone Anderson, Patrick Henry School of Science & Arts
• Lolita Broen-Wilson, Martin Luther King, Jr. Middle School
• Stephanie Cumberbatch, Summer Hill Preschool

Black History Month Reels – Enormous gratitude to Mr. Scott from Armstrong HS for sharing his Black History Month reflections yesterday. Today's story comes to us from Natoryae' Carter, a junior at Armstrong HS.

Black History Month Book Share – Today's Black History Month book share comes from Mrs. Gina Powell, media specialist from Bellevue ES. She recommends I Have a Dream by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. (paintings by Kadir Nelson). "This is a book that was published to recognize the 50th anniversary of Dr. King’s I Have a Dream speech. I recommend it because the words in his speech are so powerful and the paintings really complement the text. Both children and adults can appreciate the message and understand how Dr. King wanted a better America."

Richmond Environment Survey – The James River Park System and Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay are working with RPS to create an Environmental Literacy Plan for Richmond. Community members are invited to share their feedback at the final listening session on Monday, February 13, from 6 - 8 pm, at Second Baptist Church (3300 Broad Rock Blvd). 

Urban League Reading Event – The Urban League of Richmond is currently seeking volunteers to read to elementary school students on February 20-21. Please consider signing up today!

Richmond History Makers – The Valentine is celebrating its 120-year partnership with RPS by honoring our teachers at the 2023 Richmond History Makers celebration. Join the festivities on Tuesday, March 7, at the Virginia Union University Perkins Center. Registration is free to all RPS teachers and administrators!

Dear #RPSStrong Family,

Before diving in tonight, I wanted to take a moment to honor the memory of the more than 7,000 people who lost their their lives in the earthquake early yesterday in Turkey. Thousands more – including an untold number of children – are now homeless, completely exposed at a time of year when temperatures in that part of Turkey regularly drop below freezing. 

UNICEF is preparing to support the humanitarian response with an initial focus on ensuring children and families have access to safe drinking water and sanitation services – critical for preventing illness in the early days of a crisis. Should you be so moved, please consider donating to UNICEF's crisis response efforts. Thank you.

Tonight's updates:

February Student Representative – I'd like to send a huge thank you to our February student representative to the School Board, Jaheem Hewlett of Franklin Military Academy, for sharing his thoughtful reflections with us during last night's Board meeting. Jaheem is a Brigade Commander, serves on the FMA color guard and honor guard, and is part of my High School Student Advisory Council. He participates in the Army JROTC, band, and choir, and he enjoys learning about different cultures and languages. Upon graduation, Jaheem plans to pursue a four-year degree, majoring in the study of foreign languages. He also plans to continue participating in the ROTC program at the college level. Thanks again, Jaheem!

Black History Month Reels – Enormous gratitude to Coach David Harvey for sharing his thoughts on coaching with the history-making JM Boys Basketball Team – #2 in the nation! Today's story comes to us from Armstrong HS teacher Mr. Scott, grandson of NASCAR's first black team owner and driver, Wendell Scott. 

RTR School Leader Residency – The RTR teacher residency program will hold a virtual information session tomorrow, February 8, at 7 pm, for educators interested in pursuing school leadership through the School Leader Residency program. To attend the session, just scan the QR code below with your phone's camera. 

Dear #RPSStrong Family,

Tonight's updates:

School Board Meeting – The School Board will hold an in-person public hearing and budget work session tonight at 6 pm at MLK MS. You can watch the livestream of the meeting in English or Spanish. Hope to see you there!

Black History Month Reels – Enormous gratitude to John Marshall HS senior Xavion Hill for sharing his achievements, hopes, and dreams with us in his story Friday. Today's story comes to us from David Harvey, assistant coach for the John Marshall HS Boys Basketball Team. Coach Harvey sits down to share how it feels to be a part of history – coaching the #2 team in the nation! 

Black History Month Book Share – In honor of our theme, Celebrating Black History Every Day, some of our library media specialists will be sharing their favorite books celebrating Black history and culture. Today, Mrs. Tiana Addai-Mensah, who serves our five preschools, recommends The Colors of Us by Karen Katz. "This book highlights a positive and affirming look at skin color. Seven-year-old Lena is going to paint a picture of herself and learns that brown comes in many different shades." 

2022 Most Outstanding Crossing Guards – Ms. Dorothy Battle, school crossing guard at Linwood Holton ES, is one of six crossing guards from across the state to receive the 2022 Most Outstanding Crossing Guard Award! Celebrating her 20th year on the job (!), families look forward to seeing Ms. Battle every day. Those who nominated her shared how grateful they are for her ability to manage a dangerous intersection and describe her as "our superhero." Congratulations, Ms. Battle, and thank you for continuing to serve the RPS community with love.

Dear #RPSStrong Family,

Tonight's updates:

Remembering William L. Prentiss – It is with profound sadness that I announce the passing of Mr. William L. Prentiss, the former band director at Huguenot HS (1999-2008 and 2012-2013). A steadfast supporter of RPS, Mr. Prentiss served as a mentor to current music teachers and contributed to the growth of Huguenot's band program. He was a positive force in the Richmond music world and will be greatly missed. Please take a moment to read more about his life and legacy, courtesy of the Virginia Music Educators Association.

Dear #RPSStrong Family,

Tonight's updates:

Black History Month Reels – Enormous gratitude to Armstrong HS senior and published author, Imani Adewale, for sharing her story yesterday – what an inspiration! Today's story comes to us from Cassidy and Jackson , Armstrong HS students and members of our first-ever Battle of the Brains team!