RPS Direct Newsletter

Dear #RPSStrong Family, 

Over the last couple of weeks, I've heard directly from dozens of teachers, principals, and support staff about how stressful this year has been. Many have shared that they're on the brink of burning out – even leaving – and it's only October. Tragically, as The Washington Post recently reported, this is a national trend. 

Some of the stressors are beyond our immediate control. Chief among these is the toll that COVID-19 has taken on our community. Many staff members are still mourning the loss of loved ones; others are still caring for those who are ill. In addition, many spouses and life partners of our employees have lost their jobs and are struggling to find their footing.

But some of the stressors are within our control. In my conversations with teachers and other staff, the three that I hear the most are: 1) We're doing too much; 2) There's not enough time; and 3) Students are exhibiting significant trauma from the past 20 months and we need more support to help them. Tonight, I'm announcing several changes to address each of these.

Dear #RPSStrong Family,

Tonight's updates:

School Bus Transportation Employees Appreciation Day – Did you know that RPS bus operators drive over two million miles each year?! Tomorrow is School Bus Transportation Employees Appreciation Day so please be sure to give a little extra love to your favorite driver when you see them. As the proclamation at last night's School Board meeting noted, our bus drivers, monitors, mechanics, routers – everyone who has a hand in getting our students to and from school each day – truly exemplify what it means to #ServeWithLove! 

Hispanic and Latin American Heritage Month Celebration – To close out Hispanic and Latin American Heritage Month, J. L. Francis Elementary School held a Hispanic Cultural Show over the weekend to celebrate the Latin American diaspora – Latin Americans in communities across the world. Students, staff, and families came together to learn from one another, show off their favorite cultural attire, and share their best cultural dishes!

Dear #RPSStrong Family, 

Tonight's updates:

School Board Meeting – We're meeting tonight in the City Council Chambers starting at 6 pm. You can watch the livestream on Youtube and view the agenda here.

Art Educator of the Year – I'm thrilled to share that Julie Crowder, art teacher at William Fox Elementary School, was named the Central Region's Elementary Art Educator of the Year by the Virginia Art Education Association! Shortly after the pandemic began and schools closed, Mrs. Crowder jumped into action and began sharing videos and instructions for art projects that students could easily do with household items. This is just one example of how Mrs. Crowder truly shows what it means to #TeachWithLove. We're so proud of her and all our amazing art teachers!

Dear #RPSStrong Family, 

Tonight's updates:

National Principals Month – Our principals are Magic Makers, R.E.B. Award Winners, Eco-Campus Champions, and so much more! We're deeply grateful for their passion and the myriad ways they #LeadWithLove. Please take a moment over the next week to thank your principal for all that they do. You can also share your gratitude by:

• Nominating your principal for the R.E.B. Awards for Distinguished Educational Leadership. This honor is awarded to the top principals in central Virginia. Submit your nomination by November 4!

Dear #RPSStrong Family, 

Tonight's updates:

New RPS Website – The new website is live! Please make sure to check it out and provide feedback so we can continue to make it as helpful as possible. Thank you!

New RPS Love Store Gear – As part of our new website launch, we're also kicking off new RPS t-shirts, hoodies, masks, and more! They feature the Richmond City map divided by school zones. We have one each for preschools, elementary schools, middle schools, and high schools. All proceeds benefit our schools, teachers, and local racial justice, housing, and food support non-profits. Show your #RPSLove today!

RPS Live! Recap – Many thanks to Chasity Rodriguez, Amelia Castaneda, Cristina Rivero, Carmen Candelario, and Irais Barrera Pinzon for helping RPS celebrate Hispanic and Latin American Heritage Month last night on RPS Live! If you missed this episode, please make sure to check it out here!

Calendar Note – Don't forget that we have a 2-hour early release for all students tomorrow, October 15. Please note that we will not have extended day programming. To view the full 2021-22 calendar, click here.

With great appreciation,

Jason