RPS News Details

Announcements

RPS Shoutouts

Shout-out to Ms. Martinez. She is the best Spanish teacher.

I'm a student at Armstrong High School. Today, I'm sending a shout-out to Ms. Branch-Wilson because whenever I feel down or sad, I can talk to her about whatever is going on. She is the only person I can talk to at school. Love!

I want to shout out to my amazing co-worker, Shanita Wills, for being respectful to all staff, students, and families at Boushall Middle School. She addresses even the most challenging situations with poise and professionalism. Although we recently lost a great CSA, Ms. T. Harris and Ms. Shanita Wills continue to spring forward by doing an excellent job of securing the building. She is a great asset to both Boushall and RPS!

We are so lucky to have Ms. Vollmer as the theater teacher at Albert Hill Middle School. She genuinely loves our kids and sparks joy for them every day. My son looks forward to the theater games she leads in class and will have a lifelong love of the arts because of her. Thank you for all you do, Ms. Vollmer!

A very special shout-out to Ms. Crosswhite! She is simply the best to her kiddos! We love you. Keep up the great work!

Great job, Bekima Brown, at Oak Grove Elementary School!

I want to shout out Ms. Jennifer Brown at Henry L. Marsh III Elementary School. Ms. Brown is a special education teacher who has made extra efforts to learn and apply the FBA/BIP process to her students. She has learned the new methods and asked for support when needed. She takes the lead and is responsible for ensuring her students get what they need to be successful. Ms. Brown, you are a rockstar!

We want to shout out our reading team at Fairfield Court Elementary — Coach Sneed and our reading interventionists, Ms. Goode and Mrs. Mills — for completing 100% of the student reading plans for 1st through 3rd grade by Nov. 11. As a team, they collaborated, looked at the VALLSS data, and made sound instructional decisions to do what's best for our students. As we provide Tier I instruction and watch our students grow, adjust instruction, and follow the district plan, our robust data conversations will move our students to greatness!

A huge shout-out to the Southampton staff for their care and strength while processing the recent loss of our media specialist. You all ensured that her love for the students, staff, and families showed through you this past week and that even though she will be missed, she will not be missing. Also, a big thanks to the Division’s crisis team for showing up for Southampton staff and students this week. Your support made our strength possible.

Thank you to Mr. Bobby Hathaway and the entire Facilities team for all they are doing to keep us cool during this unseasonably hot weather. We know the threat of climate change is scary, but we are comforted knowing our staff and students' comfort, health, and safety are prioritized. Thanks for all you do!

Shout-out to the Career Day committee at Broad Rock Elementary! Thank you for organizing an amazing event with many unique careers for the students to explore. Overall, it was an organized, great day for all!

I want to give a special shout-out to Mercedes Buck, RPS’ lead educational technology integrator, who recently coordinated Miles Jones Elementary’s Student Council Association election. She took time out of her busy schedule to videotape each candidate delivering their campaign speeches so the entire school could watch them on the smart boards in the individual classrooms. Ms. Buck also photographed each of the candidates and created an electronic ballot. On Election Day, the students could vote for the candidate of their choice by touching the candidate's picture on the screen of their Chromebook. The ballot was also designed to count the number of votes each candidate received, and the election results were available to be announced before the end of the school day. Thanks to Ms. Buck’s expertise and the technological capabilities of RPS, the students at Miles Jones were very excited about having the opportunity to vote for the first time. This was indeed a rewarding experience for each of them.

I want to shout out to the Kindergarten team — Ms. Alvena Walker, Ms. Kelly McClellan, Ms. Yesenia Santana, and Ms. Adrienne Smith — at Overby-Sheppard Elementary for supporting my class during my absence. I know my students are continuing their learning paths in earnest! I would also like to shout out coaches Ms. Gordon and Mr. Roberts for their contribution. Administrators Dr. Hester and Mr. Spain have been wonderfully supportive. I can't wait to 'bee' well enough to return to the 'hive!' -Ms. Henley

I want to shout out Mr. Brent Butler at JMHS. Mr. Butler is a constant positive force as a teacher and a colleague. He greeted every student and staff in an upbeat manner that set the tone for a great day. He works collaboratively across subjects and truly serves the JMHS campus with love daily.

On behalf of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, the Upsilon Omega Chapter would like to thank all Richmond Public Schools students who participated in our annual showcase. They did an outstanding job showcasing their talent in visual arts, vocal, instrumental music, and poetry interpretation. Isiah Warren and Catelya Squire, Swansboro Elementary; Renashea Hunt, John Marshall; KeAndre Scroggins-Bagley and Day'Mya Lightner, Armstrong; Najah Cornelius, Richmond Community High School; and Shyla Scott, Christopher Smith, Catherine Cobbs, and Jamal Shakespeare, Richmond High School for the Arts.

I want to shout out CSA Jourdan from MLK Middle School for assisting at MLK Preschool with morning arrival. We appreciate your help.

I wanted to take a moment to express my sincere appreciation for Jessica Gordon’s outstanding leadership as our instructional specialist. Your support has been invaluable to me as an ICC, and I’m genuinely grateful for your contributions in several key areas. Your leadership was instrumental in the success of SPLAVC last school year. I particularly appreciate your guidance in helping us disaggregate data for our students with disabilities. This led to a stellar action plan that significantly impacted our approach​ for this school year 2024-2025. Additionally, your facilitation of professional development​ this school year, specifically on differentiated instruction, has fostered a more cohesive and collaborative environment among our staff. Thanks to your efforts, we all work more effectively as one team towards shared goals. I also want to thank you for your willingness to step in and provide support during challenging cases. Your expertise and guidance have been crucial in navigating these situations. Your professionalism and deep knowledge of your role have made a significant difference in our school. We truly appreciate everything you do and look forward to continuing to work with you. Thank you again for your leadership and support!

I want to shout out to Mr. Travon Robinson, the school counselor at Chimborazo Elementary. Mr. Robinson is amazing at what he does and is truly an expert in the many different school counselor roles. He builds excellent connections with students and staff members and is the go-to person for many people working or learning in our school. He is hard-working, supportive, impactful, engaging, and dependable. Mr. Robinson consistently goes above and beyond to support the school community, and I am so grateful he is at Chimborazo.

I want to shout out our amazing school psychologist at Mary Munford Elementary, Dr. Kelly McCrowell. Dr. McCrowell is an integral part of the Munford community and serves the community (and more significant division as a lead school psychologist) with incredible compassion, integrity, and kindness. Dr. McCrowell is beloved by students, staff, and families alike! Happy School Psych Week, Dr. McCrowell!

Shout-out to our phenomenal school psychologist at Overby-Sheppard, Kendra Vendetti. Mrs. Vendetti goes above and beyond for the Overby community. She is a leader in school-based teams and prioritizes student mental health and well-being above all. Mrs. Vendetti embodies what it means to lead with love here at RPS. We are fortunate and grateful to have a professional at Overby with the expertise, values, and character that Mrs. Vendetti holds. Mrs. Vendetti is genuinely inspirational. Happy School Psych Week, Mrs. Vendetti!

Shout-out to the school psychologist at Barack Obama Elementary, Mrs. Jill Campbell. Mrs. Campbell is a super-psychologist! She is incredibly knowledgeable and supportive of all. Mrs. Campbell is a staple in the Obama community; students, staff, and families highly value her. Happy School Psychologist Week, Mrs. Campbell!

This week marks the National Celebration of School Psychologists. This year's theme, “Spark Discovery,” embodies the essential role School Psychologists play in effecting positive change by sparking curiosity and learning in the school community for students, staff, and families. We want to thank RPS’ school psychologists and educational diagnosticians for their significant impact on RPS schools and the Richmond community. They are frequently the unsung heroes as they move expertly between schools, developing valued collegial relationships with students, staff, and families to promote an educational environment that allows each of our RPS students to thrive. They don their cape, trauma, and culturally responsive goggles/lenses daily. They use expert skills to help teams/staff understand age-appropriate development, exceptional education policy/best practices, assessment data, and mental health and wellness. They are gurus in understanding behavioral challenges and addressing maladaptive behaviors with data-driven interventions to effect and promote positive behavior change. When you have a crisis, they will be on the front lines using their skills in crisis management to promote safety for everyone and assist in developing a safety plan. Please take some time this week to acknowledge your school psychologists and educational diagnosticians: Marlene Gooding, Felecia Friend-Harris, Kelly McCrowell, Kimberly Jackson-Small, Denise Robinson, Jill Campbell, Krista Hill, Ruth Loepp, Joel Wilson, Lisa Thanadar, Jessica Schiffer, Lauren Freeze, Altheria Delaney, Taylor Nesbitt, Kendra Vendetti, Akiyah Brown, Alyssa Pence, Tanee Mason, Chris Parsons, Aliyah James, Vonzell Waller, Carly Fisher, Roy McDonald, Tarenne Robertson, Rosemary Kane, and Elizabeth Phillips for the awesome job they do! It is time to recognize these unsung heroes!

I want to give a huge shout-out to the staff at Southampton Elementary for showing up every day through the loss of a paw staff member. Thank you for the hugs, for checking in with each other, and for sharing stories. I could push through because of the support and the love I would receive once I got to work. Thank you for teaching with love and showing up through the grief. It means a lot to me.

I want to shout out the amazing staff of Linwood Holton. Each classroom is very welcoming, and the staff and students are friendly. I would also like to shout out the amazing assistant principal, Dr. April Burwell! The school is lucky to have her; she is "boots to the ground" and makes it her business to ensure that her staff and students are well supported. Keep being amazing! Your hard work shines brightly!

I want to give a huge shout-out and thanks to the VCU Student Education Association, Minority Educators United, Queer Educators, and VCU Baby Box Project for making goodie bags for every staff member at William Fox Elementary! We can't wait to have these students join RPS after graduation!

A true RPS leader shows up to support our families and students. An exceptional leader stays until the last person leaves to help clean up. Big shout-out to our director, Luke Hostetter, for always standing by his team and leading by example!