RPS Direct Newsletter

Dear #RPSStrong Family, 

TGIF! Tonight's Updates:

Calendar Reminders – All RPS schools and offices are closed this Monday, May 30, in observance of the Memorial Day Holiday. I wish each of you a safe and restorative long weekend!

Family Engagement Survey – If you haven't taken the Annual Family Engagement Survey yet, please do so this weekend. I promise it won't take more than a few minutes :). Thanks in advance for providing your invaluable feedback!

Dear #RPSStrong Family, 

I think we could all use a little good news and the students and staff of RPS are delivering! Enjoy these stories of achievement and recognition that showcase the very best of the RPS family. 

Scholar Athletes – Last night, we recognized seniors Andre Jones and Monicia Anderson as the 2021-2022 RPS Scholar-Athletes of the Year. Andre will be graduating from Thomas Jefferson as Salutatorian, and Monicia is ranked fourth in her graduating class from George Wythe. We also celebrated the weekly and monthly scholar-athletes from the entire school year. Enormous gratitude to all the coaches, teachers, mentors, and family members who have championed and supported their student-athletes throughout their time at RPS! 

Dear #RPSStrong Family, 

We use the word "unspeakable" to describe tragedies such as the massacre in Texas because they are so horrific that we don't want to – and don't know how to – talk about them. Even my wife and I struggled to fully explain things last night to our youngest son. To help with these difficult conversations, our Culture and Climate Department has pulled together the following resources: 

• Talking to Children About Terrorist Attacks and School and Community Shootings in the News (National Center for School Crisis and Bereavement) 
• Restoring a Sense of Safety in the Aftermath of a Mass Shooting (Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress) 
• Talking to Children About the Shooting (National Child Traumatic Stress Network) 
• Talking to Children about Violence: Tips for Parents and Teachers (National Association of School Psychologists)  
• Notes from the Backpack Podcast: How to Talk to Your Kid About Gun Safety (Parent Teacher Association) 
• The Teacher's Role When Tragedy Strikes (Child Mind Institute) 
• Responding to School Violence: Tips for Administrators (National Association of School Psychologists) 
• Coping in the Aftermath of a Shooting (American Counseling Association)
• Texas Shooting: How to Help Kids Get Through Unspeakable Horror (LA Times)
• Age-Related Reactions to a Traumatic Event (National Child Traumatic Stress Network)

That these documents even exist is a damning indictment of our country's failure to deal with the gun violence pandemic that existed well before COVID-19 – one that sadly shows no signs of abating. I pray that our elected leaders finally have the courage to increase investment in mental health supports and enact common sense gun safety reforms. We need both – now. 

Dear #RPSStrong Family, 

As I write this, 18 children and 1 teacher are confirmed dead at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas. 

As I write this, I also hear my two boys laughing downstairs while watching their favorite TV show with my wife. I don't think I could live another day if the sound of their joy was erased from the earth.

And so, to the families of those who were senselessly gunned down today, I offer – on behalf of RPS – my entire heart and my entire soul. I pray that one day you find peace, and that the memories of those you have lost only fill you with light and love.

To our students, families, and staff: please know that I take your safety extremely seriously – it is truly my number one priority, as both superintendent and a father. Towards that end, I want to share a few updates:

• First, earlier this evening, I authorized our Director of Security to implement enhanced searches during student arrival tomorrow morning. That means things will take a bit longer than normal. Thank you in advance for your understanding.
• Second, I asked Chief Smith for additional RPD officers at our schools during arrival and dismissal. Given this, please do not be alarmed if you see RPD personnel/vehicles at your child's school tomorrow.
• Third, I want you to know that several months ago, I instructed our Director of Security (a former SWAT commander) to review our active shooter protocols with our principals, and work with each of them to update their school-specific active shooter response plans. That work is now complete. Normally, I wouldn't share this, but I felt it was important for you to know given today's events.
• Fourth, to the extent it is helpful and not traumatizing for you, please review these FBI active shooter resources. 

Dear #RPSStrong Family, 

Tonight's updates:

COVID Booster – The FDA and CDC have authorized a booster dose of the Pfizer COVID vaccine for children aged 5-11 who received their second vaccine dose at least five months ago. Given that infection rates are rising again, please make sure to get the booster for your eligible children. Contact your pediatrician’s office, make an appointment with a pharmacy, or check out vaccination events hosted by RHHD as soon as you can.