A Message from DR. YVONNE W. BRANDON, SUPERINTENDENT

Achievement. Action. and/or expanding programs that we know are Accountability. These words are effective. For example, next school year we will the foundation for all that we do launch a third Performance Learning Center (PLC) in Richmond Public Schools. site and continue our Twilight Academy program These three A’s shape our at every comprehensive high school. Both are A Publication of Richmond City Public Schools classroom instruction, ensure designed to assist students recover academic Vol. 2 - No. 2 June 2009 rigorous academics and target credits toward graduation and reduce the dropout fi scal integrity. rate. We also plan to expand our AP and dual enrollment opportunities, and provide parents and Of course, student achievement is the district’s students with more instructional choices and class STUART E.S. RECEIVES 2009 GOVERNOR’S AWARD top priority. Today, we expect far more from our offerings. schools than simply meeting the accreditation We are all accountable for the students served by Richmond’s J.E.B. Stuart Elementary School has received of Education’s Excellence Award, the second-tier honor in the VIP program. Again, schools must meet all state standards. In Richmond, earning accreditation is Richmond Public Schools. Parents and students the 2009 Governor’s Award for Educational Excellence, the minimum expectation. That’s why we have the state’s highest performance honor under the Virginia and federal accountability benchmarks for at least two should always hold the district’s administrators, Index of Performance (VIP) incentive program. The North consecutive years. Richmond City schools honored with targeted increased academic rigor as a goal, teachers and staff to the highest possible evidenced by the more than 200 percent increase Richmond school was one of 162 Virginia public schools to this award include: Albert Hill Middle, Amelia Street, standards. In return, parents and the community earn the award. Bellevue Elementary, Broad Rock Elementary, Clark in the number of students enrolled in Advanced must actively support teachers and administrators Springs Elementary, Fairfi eld Court Elementary, Ginter To receive the award, schools must meet all state Placement (AP) and/or dual enrollment courses. in delivering a world-class instructional program Park Elementary, J.B. Fisher Elementary, Maymont and federal achievement benchmarks for at least two to every student. Together, our expectations for Elementary, Miles Jones Elementary, Open High, consecutive years. Also, schools must meet Governor To achieve any goal requires action. In Richmond Community High, Southampton Elementary student achievement, for character development, Tim Kaine’s achievement goals for elementary reading, Richmond, we simply do not have time to waste. and for 21st century workplace and career success and William Fox Elementary. So, we have aggressively pursued implementing enrollment in Algebra I by eighth-grade, enrollment in must continue to rise and be met. college-level courses, attainment of advanced diplomas Finally, four Richmond City schools earned the Board’s and increased attainment of career and industry Competence to Excellence Award, the third-tier honor in Congratulations to Our 2009 Valedictorians! certifi cations. Eligible schools must also participate in the the VIP program. They are: George Mason Elementary, Armstrong Charmesha Cousins John Marshall Dakeisha Bowman Virginia Preschool Initiative. J. L. Francis Elementary, Thomas Jefferson High and Westover Hills Elementary. Franklin Military Academy Sheltia Strickland Richmond Community Michelle Lewis A number of Richmond City schools earned the Board Huguenot Marshé Minor George Wythe Gina Gabriel Thomas Jefferson Lamont Banks *Open High does not recognize a valedictorian. MICAH INITIATIVE, JEWISH COALITION FOR LITERACY AND JUSTICE FOR ALL: JOHN MARSHALL MAKES STATE FINAL FOUR Coach Frank Threatts Jr. and his John Marshall Threatts, JM’s veteran coach, was rewarded for his CELEBRATE 10 YEARS WITH RPS Justices enjoyed another spectacular basketball performance on the sideline as he was named the The Micah Initiative through St. Paul’s Episcopal Church season, posting a 26-5 record en route to making Central Region Coach of the Year. and the Jewish Coalition for Literacy celebrated 10 years this year’s State AAA Final Four. After capturing Other JM team members included: Randall Braxton, of partnership with the students and families of Swans- both the Colonial District regular season and Maurice Johnson, Earnest Brown, Ervin Johnson, boro and Woodville elementary schools earlier this year at tournament titles, Marshall advanced to the State Quantae Cooley, Jataun O’Neil, Tahir Little, Maurice a special National Mentor Day luncheon. Final Four with impressive wins over perennial Conyers, Willie Mangum, Shravon Clark, William powerhouses Highland Springs (74-68) and T.C. During the past decade, volunteers and mentors from St. Jenkins, Leshaun Vaughan and Kevon Eccles. Williams (72-61). Paul’s have tutored students and worked with families at Woodville, building long-term and life-changing friend- Marshall was led all season long by 6’7” junior ships. “Being a Micah mentor is, fi rst and foremost, about Travis McKie, who was named to the All-District and building relationships. It’s a two-way street on which all Members of the Jewish Coalition for Literacy have All-Region teams. McKie, who attends Richmond volunteered for a decade at Swansboro. involved get the chance to give and receive hope,” said Community High School, also earned All-Academic volunteer Don Cowles. A Publication of Richmond Public Schools Richmond, Virginia. In accordance with federal laws, the laws of the Com- honors. Senior guard Randall Ward, who also monwealth of Virginia and the policies of the School Board of the City of Richmond, the Richmond Public Schools does The Jewish Coalition for Literacy also launched its partner- not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, color, age, religion, disabilities or national origin in the provision of employment attends Community, provided a steady hand in the and services. The Richmond Public Schools operates equal opportunity and affi rmative action programs for students and staff. The Richmond Public Schools is an equal opportunity/affi rmative action employer. The Title IX Offi cer is Mrs. backcourt. Like McKie, Ward was named to the All- ship with Swansboro 10 years ago. Along with serving as Angela C. Lewis, Clerk of the School Board, 301 N. 9th St., Richmond, VA 23219-1927, (804) 780-7716. The Section 504 Coordinator is Mr. Harley Tomey, Director of Exceptional Education and Student Services, 301 N. 9th St., Richmond, JM’s Travis McKie earned tutors, members have sponsored book giveaways, cultural VA, 23219-1927, (804) 780-7911. The ADA Coordinator is Ms. Aisha Shamburger, 2015 Seddon Way, Richmond, VA District and All-Academic teams. Coach Threatts interviews with RPSTV 99 23230-4117, (804) 780-6211. The United States Department of Education’s Offi ce of Civil Rights may also be contacted All-Region honors. arts activities, teacher appreciation programs and family at P. O. Box 14620, Washington, DC 20044-4620, (202) 208-2545. literacy workshops. DID YOU KNOW? SENIOR CONVOCATION & COMMENCEMENT DATES Sherrard Gardner, a June 7: Senior Convocation 5 p.m. Ashe Center teacher at Linwood June 8: Franklin Military 11 a.m. Landmark Theater Munford Fifth-grader Holton Elementary School, loves math. Armstrong 3 p.m. Landmark Theater Is City’s Top Speller More importantly, Thomas Jefferson 6:30 p.m. Landmark Theater she loves to teach June 9: Richmond Community 11 a.m. Landmark Theater Ian Fraser, a fi fth-grader at Mary Munford Elementary School, it. So, it probably John Marshall 3 p.m. Landmark Theater is the 2009 Richmond Public Schools Spelling Bee champion. came as no surprise Huguenot 6:30 p.m. Landmark Theater to her colleagues More than 800 students competed for this year’s title, with 33 GARDNER June 10: Open 11 a.m. Landmark Theater advancing to the fi nal rounds of competition at Holton when she received the 2009 William C. Lowry George Wythe 3 p.m. Landmark Theater held at Munford. Ian, 11, correctly spelled the Outstanding Mathematics Teacher word “harpsichord” to win this year’s title. of the Year Award from the Virginia A SLAMMIN’ GOOD TIME: RPS Council of Teachers of Mathematics LUCILLE BROWN EIGHTH-GRADER NAMED 2009 Jaiameri Greene, an eighth-grader at Lucille (VCTM). PRUDENTIAL SPIRIT OF COMMUNITY AWARD WINNER SENIORS RECEIVE RAM SLAM Brown Middle School, placed second in this Gardner, a 20-year veteran of SCHOLARSHIPS FRASER year’s competition. Richmond Public Schools, has taught at Holton since 1999. John Yates, an eighth-grader at Richmond’s Lucille Brown Middle School, is one of two Virginia youth volunteers to Five Richmond City high school She was recognized in the math specialist category by VCTM, receive the 2009 Prudential Spirit of Community Award, a seniors were awarded $1,500 Ram RPS Choice Kickoff in the 1st District Richmond Public Schools launched “The Choice” marketing campaign on a statewide organization with nationwide program that honors young people for out- Slam Scholarships sponsored by approximately 1,000 members. Dr. Domenic Sica, a medical profes- April 25 with a special and festive ceremony on the front steps of Thomas standing acts of volunteerism. Yates was recognized for sor and physician at Virginia Com- Jefferson High School. The campaign is designed to increase his renovation of the outdoor track at his South Richmond monwealth University Hospitals. The student enrollment, starting with the 1st District. Similar ceremonies will middle school. 2009 recipients are: Tychelle Brown, be scheduled in every district. The April 25 kickoff at Thomas STUDENTS EARN YATES As a state honoree, John – a student in the district’s In- Thomas Jefferson High School; Theron Jefferson featured performances by the Teejay marching band and ALL-DISTRICT BAND & ternational Baccalaureate program at Brown – received $1,000, an engraved Haynesworth, Armstrong High School; cheerleaders. Richmond City Mayor Dwight Jones, School Superintendent silver medallion and an all-expense-paid trip to Washington, D.C., where he Constance Miles, Thomas Jefferson; Dr. Yvonne Brandon and former governor Linwood Holton all commented ORCHESTRA HONORS was honored with other state winners. Jasmin Morris, Huguenot High School; on the advances Richmond Public Schools has made in providing a quality The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards program, now in its 14th year, is and Jonathan Smith, Huguenot. education for its citizens. A number of Richmond City high school sponsored by Prudential Financial in partnership with the National Association of Dr. Sica established the Ram Slam The mayor and superintendent then joined volunteers and student choice band and orchestra students did more Secondary School Principals (NASSP). Scholarship Program in 1998 to recog- than simply play in tune this year. They, nize students for both community ser- ambassadors to pass out doorhangers in the 1st District neighborhoods in fact, hit notes so impressively that vice and academic excellence. Since 11 were named to the 2009 All-District ALBERT HILL PRINCIPAL WINS R.E.B. its inception, the program has awarded surrounding Mary Munford, Albert Hill, Band. more than $100,000 in scholarships to Richmond Community and Thomas Six Huguenot High School musicians Richmond City high school seniors. Jefferson. The next Choice event will DISTINGUISHED LEADERSHIP AWARD earned All-District honors. They are: “These are our best kids getting these be held August 2009 in the 4th District. Franchesca Battle, trumpet; Shawn Albert Hill Middle School principal Michael Those who would like to volunteer scholarships. They are what makes Greene, tuba; Ryan Easter, trumpet; Kight has been named one of four re- should call 804-819-4471. Jada Wade, clarinet; Brian Henderson, our city special,” Dr. Sica said. “We cipients of the 2009 R.E.B. Award for hope, as always, that they will one day clarinet; and Siheed Salaam, euphonium. Christopher Moseley is band director at Distinguished Educational Leadership. return to Richmond and give something Huguenot. back to the community.” RCHS SENIOR WILL ATTEND The award includes a $15,000 prize, half Four Thomas Jefferson High School of which must be used to fund a school- Students may use the $1,500 scholar- NATIONAL YOUTH SCIENCE CAMP band members also earned All-District based initiative. Kight will use his award ships to attend any accredited two- or Chelsea Auernheimer, a senior at Richmond recognition. They are: Kathryn Franklin, to send Albert Hill teachers and parents to four-year college. clarinet; Melody Jacobs, clarinet; Myrish Community High School, has been selected as one Spell, trombone; and Sharon Thomas, the Ron Clark Academy in Atlanta for work- “For more than a decade, Dr. Domenic of two students to serve as Virginia delegates to this clarinet. Thomas Jefferson’s band shops on launching the school’s character Sica has made a personal investment year’s National Youth Science Camp. The summer director is Fayesha Toney. training and education program. in the lives of our students. His Ram science honors program will be held July 1–25 in Slam Scholarship Program is an abso- AUERNHEIMER Charleston, West Virginia. Finally, sophomore and clarinet player lutely wonderful gesture of support for Deyante McClay from Armstrong High The R.E.B. Awards for Dis- Richmond Public Schools,” said School School was named All-District. His band Chelsea, 17, plans to attend the University of Virginia or the director at Armstrong is David Hamilton. tinguished Educational Superintendent Dr. Yvonne Brandon. College of William and Mary in the fall. Her career goal is to Leadership are spon- become a neurologist. Students from Charles City, Hanover, Henrico, King & Queen, King William, sored by the R.E.B. New Kent, Richmond City and West Point and Community Foun- schools were eligible for All-District honors. dations.