RPS Direct Newsletter

Dear #RPSStrong Family, 

I'm heartbroken to share news of the passing of Dr. Taleshia Chandler, a beloved member of the Amelia Street School family who will be dearly missed. A service will be held for Dr. Chandler on Monday, August 15, at 11 am at Cedar Street Baptist Church. On behalf of RPS, I extend my deepest condolences to her family, friends, and the entire Amelia Street community. 

Dear #RPSStrong Family, 

Before diving in, I'd like to send a huge thank you to our school nutrition, transportation, summer school, and custodial teams, who worked diligently to keep our students healthy, nourished, and engaged all summer long. We appreciate you! 

This Week's Updates:

Welcome Back, Patrick Henry – Patrick Henry School of Science and Arts began its 2022-23 school year this week! Join me in wishing them a joyous and productive school year. Don't forget, all other RPS schools begin on Monday, August 29, this year!

Congratulations to Summer Graduates – We had a wonderful ceremony for our summer graduates last week – including graduates of our ¡Con Ganas! program, an alternative path to graduation for English Learners. This ceremony was even more special, as the chosen speaker was Muhibuddin Qasimi, a ¡Con Ganas! student and Afghan refugee who started at RPS last year. He gave a moving speech, sharing his story and expressing his deep appreciation to his RPS teachers. Congratulations to Muhibuddin and all our summer graduates! 

Dear #RPSStrong Family, 

This Week's Updates:

Summer Fest – Despite the sweltering heat, nearly 3,000 students and family members showed up for our Second Annual Summer Fest to enjoy food and music, enroll in school, get hired on the spot, win amazing raffle prizes, and so much more! Special shout-out to Erin Brown from the Engagement Office for her leadership of this event, TJ student DJ KB Scott for DJing, and the following community partners for helping us make the day such a success!

Dear #RPSStrong Family, 

I'm terribly saddened to share news of the passing of Mr. Carlos Jones, a beloved custodian at Elizabeth D. Redd ES. Mr. Jones was a remarkable man, known for his kindness, compassion, and warm smile. He will be dearly missed by all who knew him. On behalf of RPS, I extend our condolences to his family, friends, and the entire Redd community.

This Week's Updates:

New Hiring Incentives – Many thanks to the School Board for recently approving new hiring incentives. We're thrilled to now offer the following:

• $6,000 moving stipend for teachers currently living 50+ miles outside of Richmond
• $4,000 signing bonus for teachers with 2+ years experience
• $2,000 signing bonus for new teachers

If you know of talented individuals with a big heart for helping children, please send them to our website ASAP so they can apply and get hired. Thank you!

Dear #RPSStrong Family, 

Tonight's Updates:

Hiring! – Did you know we now have the highest school bus driver pay – $23/hour – in all of Central Virginia, not to mention a $3,500 signing bonus for anyone with a commercial driver's license (CDL)? What about our $2,000 signing bonus for math, science, special education, ESL, and other teachers? If you know of talented individuals with a big heart for helping children, please send them to our website ASAP so they can apply and get hired. Thank you!