RPS Direct Newsletter

Dear #RPSStrong Family,

Tonight's updates:

RPS Summer Wellness and Family Literacy Day – Join us from 9 am to 2 pm on Saturday, June 3, at MLK Middle School for the RPS Summer Wellness and Family Literacy Day. Students will be able to get vision screenings, required vaccines, and information on healthy eating and physical activity. We'll also have summer school registration on-site and a wide selection of books and resources for you to take home and enjoy throughout the summer. Breakfast and lunch will also be provided for free to all families who attend! 

Teen Workforce Development Camp – Don't miss Youth Impact's Teen Workforce Development Camp at Armstrong HS on Saturday, June 3, from 9 am to 12 pm. Teens will learn about entrepreneurship and how to excel at work. Spread the word to the teens in your life!

Herbie Hancock Institute of Jazz Visit – Last week, the Herbie Hancock Institute of Jazz hosted educational concerts at Thomas Jefferson HS and Huguenot HS. This remarkable program teaches students about the history of jazz while promoting the importance of collaboration – an essential skill for jazz musicians. The event featured two internationally acclaimed jazz recording artists and the exceptionally talented National Peer-to-Peer Jazz Quintet, which is composed of high school musicians. But wait, there's more! At each high school, an RPS student joined the quintet to sing. I urge you to watch the video below of Amidah Jones from TJ. She. Is. Amazing. 

VASSW Award – I'm thrilled to share that one of our school social workers, Lorien Wilder, won the Virginia Association of School Social Workers Richmond Region School Social Worker of the Year Award! As a lead school social worker at Chimborazo Elementary School, Ms. Wilder consistently goes above and beyond for her students and their families. Congratulations!

Dear #RPSStrong Family,

Sports Backers Scholar Athlete of the Month – Congratulations to Emanuel Wright-Anthony, a remarkable senior at John Marshall HS, for being named Sports Backers Scholar-Athlete of the Month! A decorated track star, Emanuel has the third highest GPA in his class, is a member of the National Honor Society, and served on my Student Advisory Council. In the Fall, he will be attending Virginia State University on a presidential scholarship where he will study computer engineering!

Top 40 Under 40 – Style Weekly just released their Top 40 under 40 and two RPS educators made the list. Congratulations to Lyons Sanchezconcha, teacher and graduation coach at Huguenot HS, and Mercedes Buck, educational technology integrator! (Photo credit: Scott Elmquist/Style Weekly)

Dear #RPSStrong Family,

Calendar Reminder – Don't forget, all RPS schools and offices will be closed on Monday, May 29, in observance of Memorial Day. We wish everyone a safe holiday weekend and look forward to seeing you back in school on Tuesday, May 30!

Riddick Parker, Jr. STEM Tech Lab – Earlier this week, we dedicated the Riddick Parker Jr. GWHS-JMU STEM Tech Lab at George Wythe HS in honor of the late Principal Parker. The STEM lab will give students hands-on experience in electronics, robotics, programming, advanced manufacturing, and engineering. Enormous gratitude to James Madison University and the JMU Professor in Residence program for making this possible!  

Remembering Ms. Morton – I'm saddened to share that Ms. Brenda Morton, beloved instructional assistant at Fairfield Court ES, recently passed. A dedicated employee who served RPS since the 1990s, Ms. Morton absolutely loved working with children. She was a lively spirit, whose energy and laughter will be missed by all. If so moved, please share your memories of Ms. Morton here, and please join me in sending love to her family and friends. 

Dear #RPSStrong Family,

Calendar Reminder – In observance of Memorial Day, all RPS schools and offices will be closed on Monday, May 29. 

Contracts Update – RPS employees, the re-election list will go before the School Board on June 5. This means all contracts will go out on Tuesday, June 6. Make sure to check your RPS email account!

Teacher Fellows – I'm thrilled to share that two RPS teachers have been selected to serve as Teacher Fellows for the Valentine Museum. Dre'mon Miller, criminal justice teacher from the Richmond Technical Center, and Meaghan Rymer, 7th grade U.S. history teacher from River City Middle School, will spend this summer using the museum's exhibitions and archives to develop new instructional resources for teachers across RPS. Congratulations!

Dear #RPSStrong Family,

I'm dedicating my entire RPS Direct this evening to a recap of last night's 2nd Annual RPS Shines event. We celebrated over 100 teachers, support staff, and administrators – and we did it in style! 

Before getting to the awards, I need to thank our sponsors – the RPS Education Foundation, EdConnective, and Dominion Energy. I also need shine a huge spotlight on our lead planners, Mildred DeLoatch and Matthew Stanley, as well as the rest of the planning committee: Christie-Jo Adams, Adrienne Kern, Tamika Massie, Stefanie Ramsey, Rodney Robinson, Wanda Robinson, and Deidra Starkes!

Teachers of the Year – To kick things off, we honored the 2023 Teachers of the Year from every school, our four 2023 Division Teacher of the Year finalists – Shari Hobson from Ginter Park ES, Robert Winslow from William Fox ES, Bernita Williams from Richmond Community HS, and Tiana Addai-Mensah from Mary Scott Preschool – and our 2023 Division Teacher of the Year, Christal Corey from Franklin Military Academy. It was such a joy to celebrate them and to showcase their impact with this video tribute. Big shout-out to our videographer, Chip Jackson, for all the videos you'll see linked!