RPS Direct Newsletter

Dear #RPSStrong Family,

Tonight's updates:

Arts in Our Schools Spotlight – Many thanks to Tquan Williams from Armstrong HS for sharing his story with us yesterday about the All-City Band and his responsibilities as drum major. Today's story comes from artist Yaa-Nailah Bell-Barber, a sophomore at Richmond Community HS.

Dear #RPSStrong Family,

Ramadan Mubarak to all who celebrate! Tonight's updates:

VHSL All-State Basketball – Please join me in celebrating John Marshal HS senior Dennis Parker, Jr., who was just named VHSL Class 2 Boys Player of the Year and a member of the Class 2 Boys All-State Basketball First Team! Teammates Damon Thompson, Jason Rivera, Latrell Allmond, and Dominique Bailey – the whole starting lineup! – were also named to the Class 2 Boys All-State Basketball First Team. And to top it off, Coach Ty White was named VHSL Class 2 Boys Coach of the Year! Congratulations!!!

Dear #RPSStrong Family,

Tonight's updates:

R.E.B. Leadership Award – Congratulations to Ta'Neshia Ford, principal of Virgie Binford Education Center, for receiving the 2023 R.E.B. Award for Distinguished Educational Leadership, and finalist Shayla Holeman, principal of Overby-Sheppard! This award, sponsored by the R.E.B. Foundation and the Community Foundation, recognizes principals who have gone above and beyond to create exceptional learning environments filled with love. That's a perfect description of Principals Ford and Holeman. Please join me in celebrating these two extraordinary leaders!

Dear #RPSStrong Family,

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

School Renaming Surveys – Earlier this year, the School Board authorized the renaming of Binford MS, George Wythe HS, Ginter Park ES, and John B. Cary ES. Learn more about the school renaming process and submit your ideas for new names by March 31, 2023!

Opportunities for Students – We're excited to launch the RPS Opportunities Hub where students can browse scholarships, internships, summer programs, and a variety of other opportunities. Don't delay – deadlines for some programs are fast approaching!

Arts in Our Schools Spotlight – Enormous gratitude to John (JT) Thomas-Trevey and his teacher, Mrs. Dechent at Albert Hill MS, for sharing their amazing talent. Today's story comes to us from three students at Franklin Military Academy who talk about their motivation to learn to play the guitar and create their own band called 16 Strings.  

Dear #RPSStrong Family,

Happy Friday! Tonight's updates:

Arts in Our Schools Spotlight – Did you know that RPS is the only school division in the area to offer harp instruction? Today's story comes to us from Albert Hill MS student and harp player, John (JT) Thomas-Trevey. JT and his teacher, Mrs. Dechent, share what it takes to be successful at something you love.

VUU Upward Bound – The VUU Upward Bound program is currently accepting applications for their spring and fall college prep sessions, scheduled for 6 - 7:30 pm this Monday, March 20, and next Monday, March 27, at the L. Douglas Wilder Library on the VUU Campus. To apply, just scan the QR code below with your phone's camera.

Parks & Rec Opportunities – Register your student for soccer, baseball/softball, spring break camp, summer camp, and more with the City's Parks and Rec Department. For more information check out the Parks & Recreation Digest and sign up today!