Visit our Publications to read the School Zone, a publication of RPS highlighting events and achievements of schools and partnerships, the School Bell and RPS Photo Journal.
MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. DAY 2010
Celebrated by the STEWART SCHOOL at WOODVILLE and FAIRFIELD COURT Elementary Schools Students from the Steward School in Henrico Country spent the day at Fairfield Court and Woodville Elementary Schools painting murals and cleaning up areas of the schools. Younger students remained at the school making bookmarks and other items to give to the students at the RPS schools. The Richmond Times Dispatch covered the story and the headmaster's OpEd helped to frame their committment. The Stewart students look forward to creating sustainable relationships with RPS students. RPS is grateful for their engagement and support from Communities in Schools.
THE HALLS WERE ALIVE WITH HOLIDAY PARTNERSHIP ACTIVITIES AT RPS
Capital One Celebrates with Amelia Street School
Students and staff at Amelia Street School were presented with holiday treats from their partners from Capital One. Approximately 30 associates visisted the school for the second year providing a holiday party with loads of food, supplies for the classrooms including DVD players for each room, a gift card from Staples and appliances from LOWE'S! What a great partnership! What a great way to celebrate the seaons. Tehshau Luan (l)and Leslie Shakespeare pose with Principal Evelyn Waddell with their new side-by-side refrigerator.
Susan Greenbaum and Chris Parker
perform at Swansboro and
Redd Elementary Schools Susan Greenbaum and Chris Parker prepare to perform a holiday concert at Redd Elementary School to delight of staff and students.
Susan met with the students after her performance at Swansboro after they sang along to many holiday tunes. During the performance, Susan challenged the students to write their own thoughts as stories, poems or even songs over the winter holiday.
Susan Greenbaum has been performing at RPS school for the past three years.
PARTNERS COME TOGETHER DURING DAY AT FALL PARTNERSHIP FORUM! Jim Watkins, Deputy Director of Venture Richmond welcomes featured speaker, Jay Engeln, Resident Partnership Practioneer, National Association of Secondary Principals at the 2009 Fall Partnership Forum at Henderson Middle School. Forum panel members with speaker Jay Engeln. From left: Joyce Johnson, Virginia Heroes, Susan Gunn, AMP! Greater Richmond, Dr. Engeln, Talley Baratka, Capital One, Jennifer Smith Slabaugh, Virginia Mentoring Partnership, Cassie Price, University of Richmond. Rose Marie Weigandt, CIS Site Coordinator andPhil Moeller, GRCC, Richmond Business Council participated in the Forum but not in the photograph. Rose Marie Weigandt, CIS Site Coordiantor with Jonathan Zur and Alicia Thompson from the Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities, a current partner with Henderson Middle School. Phil Moeller, Chairman of the Greater Richmond Chamber of Commerce, Richmond Business Council, Education Subcommittee presented the Top Ten Teachers at the ENVISION breakfast at Willow Oaks Country Club which also featured speaker Jay Engeln. Three of the TOP TEN teachers at the right.
STUDENTS AT GREENE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL ENJOY SATURDAY ACADEMY!
5th grade students at Green Elementary School participate in the SATURDAY ACADEMY, an enrichment program sponsored by the Unitarian Universalist Church with support from Capital One. Almost half of the students participated in the program.
CONTRIBUTIONS FROM CAPITAL ONE SUPPORT CLASSROOM NEEDS AT
BROAD ROCK ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Students at Broad Rock Elementary School reeived new rugs and other classroom supplies through their partnership with Capital One. Thanks to Mr. Bland with Capital One and to Nolan Griffin with Communities in Schools for supporting the effort.
OAKGROVE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL FAMILY CELEBRATES THE SEASON Oakgrove Elementary School celebrates the season with the community at their annual holiday dinner. The 2009 event is estimated to bring together over 500 students, families and community members and is supported by their Micah congregations and Communities in Schools. (Photos above from 2008 event)
SCORE A TOUCHDOWN with
READING AND MATH”
Friday, November 13th BLACKWELL ELEMENTARY SCHOOL A reading and math workshop targeted to fathers to equip them to assist their child(ren) with school. 26 Dads came out for the event which was coordinate by the school guidance counselors and facilitated by Title 1 Math & Reading instructors. Blackwell Community Advisory Group partner, CITGO& Communities In Schools provided the incentive gift cards.
LOWE'S MAKES CONTRIBUTION TO THE
RICHMOND TECHNICAL CENTER'S LOWE'S BISTRO!! Dr. Yvonne Brandon and School Board members present certificate of appreciation to employees at Lowe's, including district manager Terry Johnson, for their generous contribtution to Richmond Public Schools. The funds will be utilized to create the BISTRO CAFE at the Richmond Technical Center incorporating students in all phases of the center including the Culinary Arts program.
LaVERNE SPURLOCK RECEIVES
RICHMOND HISTORY MAKERS AWARD LaVerne Spurlock is congratulated by Dr. Yvonne Brandon and Vanessa Easter at the Valentine, Richmond History Makers award event. Spurlock has been instrumental in the creation and development of Virginia Heroes and actively engaged in Richmond Public Schools for many years.
HANDS ON GREATER RICHMOND
Projects support efforts at 10 RPS Schools!!! Huguenot High School students work side by side on October 17 with employee from Altria to beautify their school.
Murals were painted inside and outside the school at Huguenot High School. Other projects were conducted at Armstrong High School, John B. Cary Elementary School, Bellevue Elementary School, Boushall Middle School, Linwood Holton Elementary School, the REAL School, Richmond Community High School and Westover Hills Elementary School. Richmond Public Schools is grateful to HandsOn Greater Richmond and the hundreds of volunteers who supported our schools through this effort!
Westover Hills Elementary School hosted projects in the learning garden and inside the school with volunteers working hand in hand - HANDS ON - with students.
HandsOn volunteers braved the conditions to support Dr. Thomas Beatty as he readied the Richmond Community High School for fall. Volunteers, from VCU and their Alumni worked with students to enhance the environment - inside and out! BOOK TASTING HELD AT
SWANSBORO ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Volunteers Phyllis Ellenbogen and Susan Sisisky with the Richmond Jewish Coalition for Literacy, along with Principal Mary Pierce celebrate the annual BOOK TASTING at Swansboro Elementary School.
BACK TO SCHOOL ACTIVITES ABOUND AT RPS SCHOOLS Teacher supplies were donated at Blackwell Elementary School by CAG/Partners (St. Bridget’s Church and GES, Inc.). Many schools and teachers were treated to help unpacking and setting up for the 09-10 school year. Thanks to all who made it possible: Captial One, Altria, Genworth and faith and community groups acorss the district!
Capital One associates spent 2 days in June packing up Community High School in preparation for their move to their new location at the former Chandler Middle School. They are expected to return to the new site in July to assist with the unpacking. Throughout the school one could hear, "Look at my room!!! We never could have done this ourselves!" Other corporate support came from Altria and Genworth Financial.
Sprucing up the playground at Elizabeth Redd Elementary School brought Genworth Financial employees back to Richmond Public Schools when the rains cleared for the week. Painting maps and activities on the blacktop helped create a wonderful atmosphere for the school and provided a lively volunteer day for he students. Additionally, Genworth Financial employees assisted in packing up Community High School for their move to their new home on Brooklyn Park Blvd! Richmond Public Schools is grateful to Genworth Financial and to their employees for their generosity and spirit of giving!
CENTRAL VIRGINIA FOODBANK AND VCU SCHOOL OF PHARMACY PROVIDE WEEKEND NUTRITIONAL BACKPACKS VCU School of Pharmacy students packed weekend nutritional backpacks for over 140 students in 4 RPS Elementary schools. The program was coordinated through the Central Virginia Foodbank, Communities in Schools and, Virginia Mentoring Partnerships.Pictured are students and Warren Hammond, Central Virginia Food Bank. VCU School of Pharmacy Students also provided educational inserts weekly and selected books from FIRST BOOK to provide to the students. The entire school, including front office staff,
Ramona Keys, was involved in supporting this project.
DOMINION POWER VISITS RSP SCHOOLS
SWANSBORO ELEMENTARY SCHOOL OPENS NEW GARDEN FOR ARBOR DAY! Staff and students cut the ribbon on their new garden for Arbor Day with the support of Dominion. Cutting the ribbons are Cheryl Johnson, CIS Site Coordinator, Betsy Carr, School Board Representative and Mary Pierce, Principals, Swansboro Elementary School.
ARBOR DAY IS CELEBRATED AT WESTOVER HILLS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Westover Hills Elementary students plant a tree in their courtyard for Arbor Day. Dominon Power
forester Jeff Geis assisted the 3rd grade students in planting a red twig dogwood, a native species to Virginia. The students had learned about trees in a unit provided by Dominion called Project Plant-it. The project can be enjoyed via the Richmond Times Dispatch.
THE VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF FORESTRY AT FISHER ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Students at Fisher Elementary School learn about trees and their life cycles from Lisa Deaton, Forest Education Specialist and Virginia Project Learning Tree State Coordinator for the Department of Forestry.This program, brought to RPS by Dominon Power helped celebrate Arbor Day and the "Project Plant-it," a curriculum for third grade. VOLUNTEER APPRECIATION EVENTS AT MANY SCHOOLS Volunteers at Miles Jones Elementary School were treated to a special breakfast and presentations by students for Volunteer Appreciation Day. Community volunteers received recognition at many schools in April and May. The program was coordinated by the school and CIS.
Volunteers and students enjoyed the Volunteer appreication event, "Going the Extra Mile" at Swansboro Elemementary School where students applauded their mentors and volunteers.
PARTNERS CELEBRATE HISTORY SCHOLARS AT BLACKWELL ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Students at Blackwell Elementary School participated in the
RAP History Bowl on Friday, April 24th.
Guest judges: Damon Jiggetts (CIS Program Director) and Brenda H. Edwards (Senior Research Associate, General Assembly/Division of Legislative Services). The event was sponsored by CIS and Americorp at Blackwell Elementary.
The top three winners were: 1st place- Kevontaye Toliver , 2nd Place- Barrett Smith and 3rd Place- Dejeron Cuffee. Groundwater & Environmental Services, Inc. Freshen Up Gounds at BLACKWELL!! Thanks to staff at the Groundwater & Environmental Services, Inc., CAG members at Blackwell Elementary School, for plantings around the school.
WOODVILLE STUDENTS IN RACE! On Saturday, March 28, a group of volunteers from UPS Freight helped 30 Woodville Elementary School students participate in Richmond's annual First Market Mile Kids Run. UPS Freight provided new running shoes for each of the students, covered their entrance fees and did a great job of cheering them on! Thanks for the support, UPS! Pictured are students with their UPS volunteers.
GIRLS FOR A CHANGE SUCCESSFUL CONCLUSION Girls For A Change empowers young women to create change in their own communities with the guidance of adult women. About 5-10 girls and two women “coaches” met from January-April for the inaugural Girl Action Teams in Richmond. Teams met weekly for to decide how they will make a lasting change in their neighborhood, city or school. On April 20 they met together to celebrate their projects and to recognize Del. Jennifer McClellen as the first annual IT girl!! Read more and see more photos at Girls for a Change.
VIRGINIA HEROES HOLDS SUCCESSFUL EVENT! Students from Elkardt and Henderson Middle Schools met with local HEROES to learn about the many pathways to a successful career. The mission of Virginia Heroes is to inspire youth to achieve, and to encourage development of sound values.Their method is to provide interaction betweeen middle school adolescents and mentors on a regular basis. Members o the Richmond Fire Department and Kim Dean from the Unniversity of Richmond participated along with many other members of the community. Students thanked both the Virginia Heroes staff and members of the Local Advisory Board of FIRST BOOK who provided a grant to Virginia Heroes for book distributions for a great event held at the Arthur Ashe Center.
FIRST BOOK THANK YOU EVENT ATTENDED BY RPS STAFF Dr. Yvonne Brandon with FIRST BOOK co-chairperson Eva Hartmann. (from left) FIRST BOOK committee member Molly Jordan, RPS Principal Mary Pierce, Dr. Brandon, RPS Principal Roz Taylor and Ms. Hartmann at celebratory event. RPS has received over $60,000 worth of new books for our students to take home from FIRST BOOK.
PRINCIPAL FOR DAY EVENT HELD
CO-SPONSORED BY THE GREATER RICHMOND CHAMBER OF COMMERCE - RICHMOND BUSINESS COUNCIL
69 community leaders joined with all Richmond Public Schools to become guest 'Principals for the Day.' By all estimates, the day was a wonderful opportunity for community members to learn about RPS and the role of the Principal as 'CEO' and for the schools to meet our supportive community. Steve Gannon, Executive VP at Capital One (l) served as 'guest' Principal at Community High School. With Mr. Gannon is Dr. Thomas Beatty, Principal, Community High School. (left) Students at Mary Munford ES sing for guest 'Principal' Jennifer Smith Slabaugh (r), Executive Director, Virginia Mentoring Partnerships, with teacher and Principal, Grek Musik. (right) Ned Massee, (right photo) Mead Westvaco,(l) the guest 'Principal,' shares a moment with Principal Brenda Philips and student. 'Principals' (from left) Andrea Wright, Capital One, Susan Davis, The Community Foundation and Bill Martin, the Valentine, Richmond History Center share a moment at the debriefing luncheon sponsored by Capital One and held at the Richmond Technical Center. The event was catered by the Culinary Arts students at the Richmond Technical Center..
Dr. Ronald Carey, RPS, Zack Reid, Richmond Times Dispatch and Susan Winicki, Richmond Magazine confered at the luncheon debriefing.
Rob Bradham, Senior Vice President for Business Development and Government Affairs (l) and Tom Klein, Chairman, Richmond Business Council of the Greater Richmond Chamber of Commerce facilitate the luncheon debriefing. We are grateful to the Chamber and to the community for their generous support of Richmond Public School!
Chimborazo ES staff with Bruce Kelly, the Martin Agency and Bruce Cauffe, One School, One Book program manager present the school with copies of The Trumpet of the Swan for an ALL school read! The Martin Agency donated the books to the school. Teachers get into the spirit dressed as swans. The book will be read over the next four weeks with classroom and family participation.
ALTRIA EMPLOYEES BEGIN MENTORING AT SOUTHAMPTON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Altria employees learn about the school prior to mentoring. Serving as LUNCH BUDDYS the associates will meet with students either 1-1 or in team mentoring. They learn about the value of mentoring directly from the student council president, himself a mentee with Mr. Andy!
AMP! Metro Richmond MENTORS AT CHANDLER MIDDLE SCHOOL Community volunteers with AMP! Metro Richmond support Chandler Middle School students as mentors every other Friday. Over lunch and conversation the mentors and mentees develop lasting relationships! (l) Marvette Monroe with student, (r) Derek Brown with mentees.
ST. PAUL'S EPISCOPAL CHURCH AND THE RICHMOND JEWISH COALITION FOR LITERACY CELEBRATE 10 YEARS OF VOLUNTEERING
Congratulations to the Richmond Jewish Coalition for Literacy (Jewish Community Federation of Richmond) and St. Paul's Episcopal Church, with support from Good Sheppard Baptist Church for achieving 10 years of mentoring with Richmond Public School. Celebrating together at the Jewish Community Center, mentors and volunteers discussed their role in making a difference in the life of a child (or two) and together, discussed the meaning of community service as inspired by the new president. Best wishes for another 10 years!!
4TH grade students at Bellevue Elementary School prepare for their mentors from The Federal Reserve of Richmond. Joining them include Marsha Shuler and Steve Malone of the Bank.
THE RICHMOND JEWISH COALITION FOR LITERACY & SWANSBORO CELEBRATES!! Claudia Biegler, team leader for the Richmond Jewish Coalition for Literacy, celebrates her birthday with the AMAZING TEACHER at Swansboro Elementary School. The event was sponsored by friends of Claudia to provide enrichment for the students at the school.
DONOR'S CHOOSE PRESENTS 17TH PROJECT TO TEACHER!!
Jennifer Cronk, 1st grade teacher at Swansboro Elementary School received her 17th DonorsChoose.org project, the most of any RPS teacher, Her projects amounted to over $6300. Also receiving a project was Ms. Molly McHugh, a third grade teacher. Both projects helped recognize Claudia Biegler, dedicated volutneer at Swansboro Elementary School.
HOLIDAY EVENTS 2009!! Capital One Associates brought goodies and joy to the students at Amelia Street School. BINFORD MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENTS ENJOY HOLIDAY TREATS Binford Middle School students received backpacks with school supplies from friends from Capial One!! Teachers also received goodies. Just a small sampling of activities thorughout the district.
GREATER RICHMOND CHAMBER OF COMMERCE RICHMOND BUSINESS COUNCIL EVENT FEATURES RICHMOND PUBLIC SCHOOLS The TOP TEN TEACHERS of the year were recognized at an event at the Jefferson Hotel. The event was sponsored by the Robins Foundation (l - Bill Roberts) and hosted by the Richmond Business Council of the Grearer Richmond Chamber of Commerce (r - Lucy Meade). Other sponsors included
Altria, Ukrop’s Super Markets and First Market Bank. Interim Superintendent Dr. Brandon (left) greets school board member Betsy Carr and Rev. Benjamin Campbell (right) from the Micah Association. Highlighted partnerships included the Micah Initiative (Buford Scott), Captial One (Andrea Wright), Partnerships for Families Northside (Sally Riberio), the City of Richmond Early Childhood Initiative (Barb Newlin) and Communities in Schools (Harold Fitrer)
INCENTIVE PROGRAM SPONSORED BY AMERIPRISE FINANCIAL Top achieving students from Elizabeth Redd Elementary School were treated to a limo ride and lunch at the Olive Garden on Midlothian Turnpike courtesy of Ameriprise Financial. Thanks to Dante Jackson (rear-left) and John Myers for coordianting the program and to Rob Ukrop (rear) who provided inspriation for the 3-5th grade students. Also accompanying the students were Vivian Hendeson, counselor (back right) and Principal Regina Farr. MAIN STREET MERCHANTS SUPPORT
RICHMOND PUBLIC SCHOOLS During the Richmond Marathon, the merchants of Main Street (between 1100-2100) hosted Richmond Public Schools who provided spirit for the runners and fundraisers. Clark Springs Elementary School cheerleaders (left) cheer on the runners while members of the VCU School of Business supported Amelia Street School. Maymont Elementary School and Binford Middle School also participated.
ENVIRONMENTAL INITIATIVE AT
RICHMOND PUBLIC SCHOOLS Students from throughout RPS joined together with Dr. Yvonne Brandon, Interim Superintendent of Schools at Holton Elementary School to kick off the environmental initiative for the district. Students are seen recycling paper, just one of the many activities from the New Directions Initiative to take place during the year.
CAPITAL ONE BRINGS ANOTHER READesign TO RICHMOND PUBLIC SCHOOLS
The Media Center at Reid Elementary School was transformed over the course of one week with new carpet, blinds, 1000 new books, a new reading nook with a handpainted mural and MORE!! Each students took home as many as 8 new books for their home library. Capital One Associates read to the students while Capital One, the Heart of America and RPS leaderships celebrated. Photo on the right includes (from left) - Reginald Williams, Principal of Reid Elementary School, Andrea Wright, Capital One, Dr. Ronald Carey, RPS, Bill Halamandaris, Heart of America and Matt Hines, Capital One. There's nothing like a new book in a new library! Thanks CAPITAL ONE!!!
HANDS ON GREATER RICHMOND BROUGHT VOLUNTEERS TO SCHOOL FOR DAY OF SERVICE
The "RainGarden" at Binford Middle School (L) was part of a community outreach day while murals were painted at Maymont Elementary School. Westover Hill Elementary School utilized volunteers to work in the courtyard as a caboose painting was the work of the day at John B. Cary Elementary School. Projects were also held at SummerHill Elementary School where the courtyard was landscaped and at Greene Elementary School where garden work, whiteboard installation and interior painting was the call for the day.
CAPITAL ONE BRINGS FOLKS FESTIVAL TO SCHOOLS
14 RPS schools were rockin' when the Richmond Folk Festival brought acts and arts to the schools, courtesy of Capital One. Students were exposed to many musicians and artists during this day-long experience.
GIRLS FOR A CHANGE COMES TO
RICHMOND PUBLIC SCHOOLS Girls for a Change made presentations at 7 RPS middle and high schools in October empowering girls to learn about their role in social change. The girls will particpate in Girls For a Change after school programming during Spring Semester.
THE MICAH INITIATIVE KICKS OFF YEAR The Micah Initiative, members from 70 faith groups who serve as mentors, classroom assistants and more in support of 24 RPS Elementary Schools participanted at their Back to School event on September 11. The group was inspired by Dr. Yvonne Brandon, Interim Superintendent (above with Betsy Carr, School Board Member and Dr. Harold Fitrer, Executive Director, Communities in Schools.
DONE IN A DAY PROJECTS HELP SCHOOLS PREPARE FOR 2008-2009 SCHOOL YEAR!
CAPITAL ONE PREPARES HENDERSON MIDDLE SCHOOL TO OPEN!
CAPITAL ONE AND SOUTHSIDE CHURCH OF THE NAZARENE AT G.H. REID ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Capital One Teams supported efforts to prepare for school opening at G.H. Reid Elementary School along with members of the Southside Church of the Nazarene.
GENWORTH FINANCIAL SUPPORTS EFFORTS AT CHANDLER MIDDLE SCHOOL Clean-up inside and out was the task for GENWORTH employees at Chandler Middle School, part of a year long granted project to support the school.
ALTRIA INTERNS PREPARE
GEORGE WYTHE HIGH SCHOOL FOR FALL OPENING
JMU Alumni Support Effort As Well Inside and out, George Wythe High School received a makeover by summer interns from Altria. Participating in landcaping and painting (yes, that is the boys locker room), the interns spent an afternoon perparing the school for opening day! The Altria project was brought to Richmond Public Schools by HandsOnGreater Richmond and supported by Communities in Schools of Richmond. Read more about the event at the Richmond Times Dispatch/inrich.com. School Board member Betsy Carr welcomes the crowd of almost 200 to George Wythe High School while team leader (and Senior Vice President, Advancement, The Community Foundation) Bobby Thalhimer prepares for his afternoon of mulching.
Read Bobby's reflection on his blog. James Madison Alumni supported landscaping efforts at the school in another courtyard as a compliment of the Altria grant.
THREE CHOPT CHURCH OF CHRIST SUPPORTS BLACKWELL ELEMENTARY SCHOOL FAMILY
CAPITAL ONE - GUARDIAN ANGEL PROGRAM AT SUMMERHILL ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Capital One Associates served as Guardian Angels through the corporation's MENTORSHIPS program with students at Summer Hill Elementary School. Acting as 'pen-pals' through the year, the students met their 'Angels' at a reception at the end of the school year. The program was enjoyed by all!
CAPITAL ONE HOSTS FIELD DAYS AT RPS
Known for their great field days, Capital One Associates celebrated Spring with students at Greene Elementary School. This was the first of 4 events being held in Richmond Public schools through this generosity of spirit by Capital One Associates!
Markel Volunteers Spend Day at RPS Volunteers attending Markel's spent a day at Chimborazo and Fairfield Court Elementary Schools playing SOL math games with students and painting murals. The activity was organzied by HandsOnGreater Richmond with support from Communities in Schools (Fairfield Court).
Technology Support provided by Markel
Thanks to Neely Winston from the Markel Corporation for assistance in secure improved technology. With Principal Jannie Laursen and Bob Argabright.
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PARTNERSHIP APPRECIATION EVENT - APRIL 28, 2008
Neil Kessler, Partner, Troutman Sanders and host for event with Dr. Harold Fitrer.
Carolyn Brown, Partnership Coordinator, Maymont, with Universal Leaf supporters.
Bev and Al Lacy with Buford Scott (center).
Becky Gay, Partnership Coordinator, Chimborazo, with volunteers.
VOLUNTEERS TREAT TEACHERS FOR TEACHER APPRECIATION WEEK
Teachers throughout Richmond Public Schools were treated to wonderful appreciation events from parents, students, schools and volunteers to celebrate during TEACHER APPRECIATION week.
GH Reid Elementary School staff are treated to a luncheon and raffle by associates from Capital One.
ACTIVITIES AT SWANSBORO HIGHLIGHT RELATIONSHIPS WITH VOLUNTEERS
Jonathan Austin, juggler, performs for students at Swansboro Elementary School courtesy of the Richmond Jewish Coalition for Literacy, Jewish Community Federation of Richmond. Mentors Karin Fine and Lisa Thalhimer and students share a meal together during Volunteer Appreication Day.
GENEROUS PARTNERS SUPPORT RICHMOND PUBLIC SCHOOLS!
Students at J.E.B. Stuart thrill with visit by EMS! Oakgrove Elementary School students are recognized as Honor and Scholar Roll students and treated to CiCi's Pizza. Partners Vulcan sponsored the event coordinated by Communities in Schools. With Principal Jeannie Laursen is
Jay Gammon (Vulcan Materials).
THE JUNIOR LEAGUE SHARE AUTHOR WITH ELIZABETH REDD ELEMENTARY STUDENTS
Cookbook author, Ellie Krieger, (left)
host of the Food Network’s Healthy Appetite, meets with students to encourage them to taste the 'colors of the rainbow.' Many new fruits and vegetables were tasted. Students received cookbooks with healthy recipes from members of the Jr. League.
DOMINION RESOURCES - PROJECT PLANT IT!
Dominion Power supports Richmond Public School third grades with Project Plant-it including Radio Disney game show. Culmination for Arbor Day held at J.B. Cary Elementary School (above) and Holton Elementary School.
OAKGROVE PARENTS SUPPORTED IN COMPUTER SKILLS
Coordinated by Communities in Schools and supported by employees of Bank of America, parents at Oakgrove develop computer skills. At the successful completion of the program parents were provided computers for their families home use.
UVa ALUMNI SUPPORT MARTIN LUTHER KING MIDDLE SCHOOL
UVa alumni refurbished an interior courtyard at MLK as a continuing project to serve the Church Hill neighborhood. Thanks to CIS for their support and assistance in coordinating the day.
CHANDLER MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENTS MEET HOLOCAUST SURVIVOR AT PROGRAM
Holocaust survivor Alex Lebenstein meets Chandler Student and Teacher, Chantea Gudger following Living Voices - Through the Eyes of a Friend program presented by the Jewish Community Federation of Richmond.
READ ACROSS AMERICA at RICHMOND PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Thanks to the hundreds of volunteers who participated in Read Across America celebrations in honor of the birthday of Dr. Seuss in early March.
The Cat in the Hat visited many of our schools!!
Readers from SunTrust Mortgage, and the Greater Richmond Chamber of Commerce entertained students with Dr. Seuss stories.
Capital One Associates and the Heart of America participated in activities in seven RPS elementary schools delivering stories, books for the students and teacher goodies!
Others involved were from Wachovia Securies, Verizon, IMPACT and much more! Thanks to all community members who made this such a great day!!
Robert Woltz from Verizon, along with other Verizon associates, read to students at Maymont Elementary School and delivered books collected through their "Season's Reading" program.
Richmond Business Council and RPS sponsor
PRINCIPAL FOR A DAY - FEBRUARY 7, 2008
Richmond Public Schools is proud of our new partnership with The Richmond Business Council of the Greater Richmond Chamber of Commerce.
With their support, the first annual "Principal for a Day" event was held on February 7, 2008 in 22 schools throughout the district. The program’s goals were simple and direct: to immerse business leaders in the public school environment, to increase awareness of educational issues, to provide a platform for lasting partnerships between schools and businesses, and to enhance awareness of workplace skills that are necessary for students to succeed. Sponsors for the event include Hirschler Fleisher and David Napier of Old City Bar/White House Catering.
For more information contact Amy Chapman at 783-9309 or at http://www.grcc.com/page/name/business_councils_richmond or Miriam Davidow, mdavidow@richmond.k12.va.us
'Principal' Richard Coughlin, Assoc. Dean Business School, University of Richmond with Community High School Student AND J.B. Cary Principals Brenda Phillips with guest 'Principal' Richard Conti, Director, Science Museum of Virginia
Guest 'Principals' Julie Ehlers, University of Richmond and Chaiperson, Richmond Business Council with Tom Klein, LandAmerica Financial, Co-Chair 'Principal for a Day" event
Holiday Activities
Capital One Associates hosted students from Miles Jones Elementary School at their West Creek location, mentored them in philanthropy, entertained them with juggling and lunch and presented each with new bicycle for their academic achievements as well as living the values exemplified in the "Say it With Heart" curriculum.
Capital One associate presented Reid Elementary School with a piano among other items and were thanked through a performace by the choir, by a serenade by the choral teacher and by many cards and letters by the students. The piano will be a wonderful addition to the schoo for many years to come!
Performer Susan Greenbaum entertained students at Redd and Swansboro Elementary Schools with holiday and other songs.
RECENT EVENTS
The American Civil War Center at Historic Tredegar was the site for the Fall Partnership Reception attended by over 150 partners, volunteers and RPS employees
Collegiate Students shared an educational experience with students at Oakgrove-Bellemeade supported by Communities in Schools and Trinity Methodist Church.
Communicate With Us We would like to thank Mr. Smith for our first submission. If you want to
share your experiences with us, email Miriam Davidow.
WHITCOMB DREAMS, Brooks Smith Submitted with permission 2/12/05) “
There is a place where the sidewalk ends…”
And each time I cross the tracks and ascend the hill, past boarded
up apartments and junk yard dogs, to the windswept plain known
as Whitcomb Court, I think about how remote the merry poetry
of Shel Silverstein is from this garbled concrete outpost. There
are no crimson rays or song birds or peppermint clouds here.
Just rows of two-story tenements -- seemingly abandoned in the
cool light of day -- and a squat public building styled Whitcomb
Court Elementary School.
This is a place of nearly undeniable squalor. A place that strains
minute by desperate minute against the hopelessness that seeps
in through broken windows, cracked walls and sole-less shoes.
A place of Sisyphean struggle.
And yet, through it all, it is a place of children. Hungry, but
impelled by youthful energy. Their dreams and worries like wet
frescos, immovable in spite of the chaos, but alive with emotion
and contrast.
Every so often -- not nearly as often as I would like -- I venture
up the hill to eat lunch in the school cafeteria with a little
girl named Derrica. She’s half-way through the fourth grade,
quixotic, outspoken, occasionally querulous, and always ebullient
at the sight of her lunch buddy. She’s surely as poor as
the rest, as exposed to the realities of the projects as her
many siblings, or her rasorial mom, or her absentee dad, or her
impossibly young grandmother. In the two years that we have dined
together, she seems to have grown ten, a little person too soon
become big.
We do not often talk about important things. Mostly, we critique
the cafeteria food, play silly games with fruit roll-ups, and
compete to see who can drink their chocolate milk the fastest.
Sometimes, we go to the library after lunch so that she can read
to me. So ponderous, but urgent with the need to sound out each
word, to make some sense of the story line, as if it were all
foreign to her. Lately, she’s delighted in hearing about
my own little girl’s belabored efforts to speak, to sound
out simple words like moon and mommy, as if these girls were
confidants in a confused world of vowels and silent letters.
Last week, I asked Derrica if she’d ever been on a trip,
ever ventured to a far-away place. She looked at me as if I had
asked a nonsensical question. And I realized that I had, so I
quickly re-phrased it.
“
Derrica, if you could take a trip anywhere in the world, where
would you go?”
She furrowed her little brow and then said, more unequivocally
than I could have imagined, “South America.”
“
But why there,” I thought and then asked aloud.
She looked sheepish for a minute, and then explained. “There’s
a little girl that comes on tv sometimes, her name is Jenny,
and she’s very, very poor. She doesn’t have a family,
or a home, or food. I asked my mom if we could adopt her, so
that she could come live with us. My mom said that would be okay,
but only if we could find a way to go down to South America to
get her. So that’s where I want to go.”
This little creature, herself devoid of the comforts that we
off-the-hill dwellers take for granted, betwixt dirty and poor,
and exposed to hopelessness at every turn, still she clings to
hope. And not for herself, not for her own survival or satisfaction,
but for a little creature even less fortunate than she, remote
but bonded by irreducible reality.
I was stunned, nearly fell off my chair, nearly burst into tears.
I felt like the Grinch when he heard the Who’s down in
Who’ville singing their sweet song in spite of their loss,
felt like the weight of a hundred pound iron had been lifted
from my chest, felt like I could sit there forever listening
to this little creature beside me, her voice now sweet with crimson
rays and song birds and peppermint clouds.
There is a place where the sidewalk ends, and it is not too far
from here. Few follow the path there, and even fewer follow it
out. It is a place of overwhelming need, nearly unfixable, almost
forgotten. But it also is a place of children, and hope, and
from time to time, impossible beauty. Lunch is served promptly
at 12:20, so don’t be late or you might miss it.
“
Yes we’ll walk with a walk that is measured and slow,
And we’ll go where the chalk-white arrows go,
For the children, they mark, and the children, they know,
The place where the sidewalk ends.”
Mr. Smith currently volunteers at Woodville Elementary School.
