The Hoot
Richmond Virtual Academy Weekly Newsletter for Families
Volume 1, Issue 3-Thursday, August 5, 2021
PRINCIPAL'S MESSAGE
The first day of school is just around the corner! As we gear up for an exciting first day, please mark your calendars for the following exciting events!
Middle & High School Virtual Learners
- August 5th-Virtual Virginia login credentials emailed to students' rvaschools email address. Once logged in, students can access their schedule of courses on Virtual Virginia's Genius site.
- August 16-20th- Middle & High School Chromebook/School Supply Distribution Events (Chromebook and School Supply Distribution events will be held at students' zone schools. You may contact your child's zone school for more details. A complete schedule of each school's chromebook and school supply distribution events should be be available by the end of next week and shared in next week's edition of "The Hoot.")
- August 18th-Richmond Virtual Academy Family Orientation for Middle & High School Students at 4pm (registration link)
- August 19th- Virtual Virginia Orientation at 7pm (virtual meeting link)
- August 24th-First Day of Class for All Middle and High School Virtual Learners
PreK and Elementary School Learners
- August 30th-September 3rd- PreK & Elementary School Chromebook/School Supply Distribution Events (Chromebook and School Supply Distribution events will be held at students' zone schools. You may contact your child's zone school for more details. A complete schedule of each school's chromebook and school supply distribution events should be be available by the end of next week and shared in next week's edition of "The Hoot.")
- September 1st-Richmond Virtual Academy Family Orientation for PreK & Elementary School Students at 4pm (registration link)
- September 9th-First Day of Class for All PreK & Elementary School Virtual Learners
UPDATE: Families interested in opting in to receive meals during the 2021-2022 school year should complete our RVA Meals Opt In form no later than August 18th, 2021. Parents are asked to use this form to indicate their preferred meal pick-up location and day of the week (Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday). Hours for meal pick-up will be as follows: Elementary Schools 3:00 – 4:00 pm; Middle Schools 3:30- 4:30 pm and High Schools 4:00 pm – 5:00 pm. Parents/designee must provide the student's name at the time of meal pick up to receive meals. Meal Pick Up is only available for students enrolled in the Richmond Virtual Academy.
As always, feel free to connect with us on our social media platforms (see below) and let us know "hoo" you are and how you are spending your summer by uploading your favorite summertime photo and tagging us on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram with the hashtag #rvahoots.
In the meantime, if you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to email me at crobinso4@rvaschools.net or give me a call at 804-629-5206.
Warmly,
Dr. Cyndi Robinson
Principal
Richmond Virtual Academy
Meet Our N.E.S.T. (Nurturing Educational Support Team)
Office Associate III
Marcella Braxton began her career Richmond Public Schools (RPS) May of 2000, with the Department of Pupil Transpiration (DPT) as a Substitute Bus Driver. During her tenure with DPT, she has worked in several different capacities: contracted Bus Driver, Administrative Assistant and Customer Support Liaison, and Street Supervisor (2007). She has developed numerous training and professional learning presentations for teams throughout RPS. She later transitioned roles and served as a Substitute Office Secretary for a summer position. It was there that she discovered her calling as a servant and decided to remain inside the schools. She has served RPS for 21 years and counting. Ms. Braxton holds an Associate of Applied Science degree with a concentration in Clinical Psychology and she is also a certified Professional Life Coach. Ms. Braxton has passion and heart for people; believing in the well being of the whole self, promoting serenity of. mind, balance and esteem. She will be providing student registration and office administrative support for our RVA OWL family! We are absolutely thrilled to have her in our NEST!
RICHMOND VIRTUAL ACADEMY (RVA) EVENTS & UPDATES
Richmond Virtual Academy's First Days of School:
Grades 6-12- Tuesday, August 24th
Grades Pre-K - 5 - Wednesday, September 9th
Richmond Virtual Academy Family Orientation & Chromebook/School Supply Distribution:
See information included in the Principal's Message of this newsletter.
Richmond Virtual Academy Student Meals Opt In Program:
See information included in the Principal's Message of this newsletter.
Want to Switch to In-Person Next Year? – If your family selected virtual learning for the 2021-22 school year, but you'd like to switch to in-person, no problem! Just complete the Switch Pathways Form (Formulario de Cambio de Decisión) so our Enrollment Team can make the change. For more information about the 2021-22 school year, please email us at enrollrps@rvaschools.net or call our Family Support Line at 804-780-6195.
RICHMOND PUBLIC SCHOOLS (RPS) EVENTS & UPDATES
Community Events & Opportunities
- Summer meals are available! Click here to learn the locations and times for meal distribution! (see flyer below).
- Check out the Community Corners, Community Walks, and Mobile Community Conversations happening near you!
Free Extended Day Program for Next Year – In partnership with the City of Richmond and various community partners, RPS will be providing FREE extended day programming – including enrichment and academic support – to any preschool-5th grade families who wish to participate next year. Snacks and transportation will be included. If you're interested, please complete this survey by August 11.
RPS Love Parade – Please join us for our first annual RPS Love Parade on Saturday, August 21! Help us spread the love for our teachers and students as we parade from Community High School to Hotchkiss Field. Then stick around for the 15th Annual We Care Festival to learn about reopening and our new community-wide literacy focus. Learn more at www.rvaschools.net/loveparade.
Preview our RPS Student Meals for Virtual Learners in the video located at the end of this newsletter!
Literacy Opportunities
- Summer Reading Program - RPS will be collaborating with the Richmond Public Library for its “Reading Colors Your World” reading program. Please encourage your students to participate. They can get details from their librarian or come to any Lit Limo stop this summer to pick up a Tracking Document and receive PRIZES for completing their minutes of reading! Link to Details
- Visit the LitLimo this summer! Click here to find view their schedule and learn more about how you can catch them and get a book for your child to enjoy! (see flyer below)
Math Opportunities
- Summer Math Challenge - This is a free six-week online math skills maintenance program designed for students who have just completed grades 1-8. The 2021 Challenge will support student learning at home and offers daily emails with fun activities and links to educational resources at each student’s ability level. Parents can monitor their child's progress and generate weekly badges and a certificate to celebrate accomplishments. Sign up for the Summer Math Challenge.
Encore Opportunities (Fine Arts, Music, Health & PE)
- Art that celebrates Juneteenth: There are numerous contemporary artists who have created paintings honoring the holiday. Take a closer look at these masterpieces by Renee Allen, Everett Spruill, and Synthia Saint James.
- Pine Camp Outdoor Adventure Camp - In-person, half day camps from June 28 – August 20. Camp will have theater, music, recreation, and arts and crafts! $60 per two week session, with breakfast and lunch provided. Go to parksandrecreation.richmondgov.com to register for "Outdoor Adventure Camp".
- Open Space Education Summer Classes - In person outdoor classes for ages 9-16 with scholarships available. Visit - openspace.education
RVA RECOMMENDED RESOURCES
Online Learning PreK-12
- 8 Tips for Middle and High Schoolers to Get Started in Online School
- How to Be a Successful Online Student
- Tips for a Successful Virtual School Year
- Internet Safety (All Grade Levels)
Grades PreK-5
- Hour of Code - Computer Science activities
- Free Kids Books
- Children's Storybooks Online
- Kids Math Games
- ABCya.com - free educational kids computer games and activities
- Reading Games for Elementary Students
Grades 6-12
- Hour of Code - Computer Science activities
- iCivics - Social Studies games
- Richmond Public Library E-Books and Audio Books
- Smithsonian for Kids
VIRTUAL VIRGINIA INFORMATION
RPS RECOMMENDED RESOURCES
RPS Links
- RPS Website
- ReopenWithLove2.0 FAQs
- Meal Distribution
- Tech Support
- Family Support Line: (804) 780-6195)
- Enrollment Portal
- RPS Love Store
COVID-19 Links
- Richmond City Health District
- Virginia Department of Health
- Vaccinate Virginia
- Centers for Disease Control
Crisis Support Links
- Richmond Behavioral Health Authority (Child/Adult Mental Health) – (804) 819-4100
- ChildSavers Immediate Response Helpline (Child Mental Health) – (804) 305-2420
- YWCA Greater Richmond (Domestic Violence) – (804) 612-6126
- Virginia Child Protective Services (Child Abuse) – (800) 552-7096
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline – (800) 273-8255
Richmond Virtual Academy
Email: virtualacademy@rvaschools.net
Website: www.rvaschools.net/rvaowls
Location: 1101 Dance Street, Richmond, VA, USA
Phone: 804 629 5206
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RVAOwls
Twitter: @rvaowls