Panther Cub Chronicle
Monthly Newsletter
October 1-31, 2023
About RVLA
Rainier Valley Leadership Academy is a public, tuition-free charter school that provides an anti-racist collaborative community and rigorous education while providing access to civic leadership and college success for all scholars in Seattle and has traditionally served grades 6-12. With the addition of the elementary school RVLA seeks to cultivate the growth of our youngest learners to diminish learning gaps through engagement, love, kindness, joy, and rigorous academics. Our first class of Kindergarteners will commence 2024 with additional grade levels added each year.
Leadership Team
Rainier Valley Leadership Academy is proud to announce its founding Elementary Leadership team. We are confident in their ability to implement a program that realizes the mission and vision of RVLA; providing an anti-racist education and dismantling systemic oppression through scholar leadership.
Ms. Angela M. Thomas, Principal
Angela M. Thomas started her career in education 15 years ago with a certification in Social Studies. Ms. Thomas has most recently been a Founding Administrator ranging from Assistant Principal to Acting Principal with Charter Schools USA in Florida and Louisiana. Beginning with her firs scholars, a bright class of 3rd graders, Ms. Thomas fell in love with teaching and the scholars she served. Throughout her career, Ms. Thomas has worked with all grades across the K-12 continuum and is excited to work, again, in the elementary space.
Ms. Thomas has a background in theatre, music, and visual arts. As if more is needed, Ms. Thomas has led gifted and talented programming, worked in the alternative school setting, self-contained classrooms, and has experience as an adjunct instructor at South Louisiana Community College. Ms. Thomas has led oversight of Special Education departments, 504 compliance, and Multi-lingual programming. Ms. Thomas led a high school expansion at her previous organization and has led two charter renewals.
Ms. Thomas comes to Seattle with her three beautiful children, ready to call the PNW their home for decades.
Ms. Courtney Claxton, Dean of Academics
Courtney Claxton, a native of Memphis, TN, is a passionate educator with 6 years of experience in creating and implementing differentiated, engaging content for K-12 students. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Education (BS.Ed) degree from the University of Memphis and a Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.) degree from Relay Graduate School of Education. Courtney has taught and mentored grade levels ranging from 1st-3rd, 6th-8th, and 9th-12th, leading subjects such as Literacy, Math, Science, Health & Fitness, and Student Leadership.
She continuously works to improve her practice of navigating scholars through a journey of self-exploration, academic tenacity, and future-building by analyzing metrics, presenting curricula, and adjusting instruction to meet the needs of scholars. Courtney is a dynamic and resilient self-starter with the ability to design effective learner solutions that enhance experiences in the classroom and school community.
What's New???
TO DO LIST
COMPLETED
Curriculum (Kindergarten) ✔️
Policies and Procedures✔️
Scholar Handbook✔️
Faculty Handbook✔️
CONTINUING
Academic Resources & Materials
Finalize and Confirm paint colors for classrooms and hallways
UP NEXT
Painting
Community Visits
Community Q&A
Curriculum (grades 1-5)
LATER
Kindergarten Application Information
Order Classroom and Play Furniture
Classroom Before & After pictures
Completed Classroom Tours
Kindergarten Preparedness Tips
TIP #3--Social Emotional Learning
Help your scholar cub identify and talk through their feelings. We want to "use our words" when we are frustrated or otherwise.
TIP #4--Social Emotional Learning
Ask yourself this question...
"Does my scholar cub share well with others?" If the answer is "No" or "Not really," teaching how to share can help to make the first weeks of school a positive experience.
Community Voice
Indigenous People's Day
School will be closed in celebration and remembrance.
Monday, Oct 9, 2023, 07:00 AM
Filipino American History Month
Celebrating all of the contributions of Filipino Americans.
Monday, Oct 2, 2023, 07:00 AM
Spanish Heritage Month Ends
National Hispanic Heritage Month is annually celebrated from September 15 to October 15 in the United States for recognizing the contributions and influence of Hispanic Americans to the history, culture, and achievements of the United States.
Sunday, Oct 15, 2023, 07:00 AM
Spread the Word!!!
Do you know of anyone looking for a top-tier, anti-racist, educational program for their soon to be Kindergartener? Share this newsletter and have them sign up to receive the monthly newsletter using the QR code in the top banner!
Contact Information
Early Learning Partnerships
If you know of an Early Learning Center that shares RVLA's mission and vision, point them in our direction! They can contact Ms. Thomas directly at:
Unsubscribe
We hate to see you go, but we understand. Please email angela.thomas@myrvla.org to unsubscribe from the Panther Cub Chronicle Newsletter.
Nondiscrimination Statement
Rainier Valley Leadership Academy does not discriminate in any programs or activities on the basis of sex, race, creed, religion, color, national origin, age, veteran or military status, sexual orientation, gender expression or identity, disability, or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. The following employees have been designated to handle questions and complaints of alleged discrimination: Civil Rights-Chastity Catchings, Chief Finance and Operations Officer, Title IX Officer/Sex Equity Officer-Janine Lewis, HR Coordinator and Section 504 Coordinator-David Watson, Principal, 6-12. All compliance coordinators can be reached at 6020 Rainier Ave. S, Seattle, WA 98118. By phone they can be reached at 206-659-0956 or by email at info@myrvla.org.