Weekly Announcements
June 4, 2020
Dear Open High Family
It's been a difficult week in the midst of an already difficult time. Still, I am finding renewed hope that systemic change is possible in Richmond and elsewhere. My feelings of hope primarily stem from our students and other young people who are using their voices to demand a better world than the one we have. I was also moved this week by the powerful essay by Rodney Robinson, 2019 National Teacher of the Year, in Tuesdays' RPS Direct which I urge you to read. Open will be purchasing many of the resources mentioned here so our teachers can learn more about abolitionist teaching. And if you haven't already seen Just Mercy--the film based on the 2014 book by Bryan Stevenson--please take advantage of the free streaming of this film. Three years ago our whole school read this compelling examination of our broken criminal justice system, and for many of us this was an important, and ultimately, hopeful book.
At this time I am also pleased to announce that I have been approved to serve as Open's next Principal. I am humbled by this honor and take the responsibility of educating students very seriously. My goal is to continue strengthening our academic program while being true to our traditions. Luckily I am not alone. We have an outstanding team here at Open, and I think I speak for them all when I say we can't wait until school is back in session!
Feedback is always welcome, so do not hesitate to reach out for any reason at cwashing@rvaschools.net or on my cell at 804-229-9961.
With gratitude,
Clary Carleton
Principal
Class of 2020 Graduation
Pictures are due Friday, June 5 for the Open High Virtual Commencement Ceremony scheduled for LIVE broadcast on Wednesday, June 24 at 7:00 p.m.! It's going to be great but only if you participate. Upload 4 freestyle photos of your choice and 1 in your cap and gown here. Soon we will send out a link for viewing and for posting to the Social Media Wall. Use the hashtag #OpenGraduatesRPS to add comments from Twitter, Instagram or Tiktok.
We are still in the process of confirming plans for the In-Person Diploma Recognition scheduled for Friday, June 26 from 9:00 a.m - 4:30 p.m.. Thank you if you've already RSVP'd. We will need a precise count in order to stagger the arrival of our graduates.
Don't forget to come pick up your awesome Yard Signs and drop off your books/calculators. The building will be open next week on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:30-12:30. If you are unable to come at one of these times, just let me know.
ECA students will have also their Virtual Commencement Ceremony with Reynolds on Saturday, June 13, at 11 AM.
Attention Sophomores!
We will host a Class Meeting for sophomores on Monday, June 8 at 3:00 p.m. Please see email or text for log-in information.
The Drivers Ed Final Exam will be proctors online on Tuesday, June 9th from 10-12. The exam will be monitored, and you are required to be visible at all times. If you are not visible you will not be allowed to take the exam. Exams are to be submitted as soon as completed, but no later than 12:00 noon. Exams will not be graded if not turned in on time. This procedure is MANDATED BY THE VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION. You will receive an invite for Google Hangout as you have received in the past. You may use your phone if needed. Please contact Clary with any concerns you may have.
Course Requests 2020-2021--Deadline Extended to June 9 at 4 PM
For next year's Course Requests we will be using Google Forms At Open, students must take classes that fulfill graduation requirements for the Virginia Advanced Studies Diploma. We also encourage students to take the most challenging courses available to them. Please refer to the Open High Course Sequencing Guide and New Courses & Reminders (below) for additional information.
Both myself and our School Counselor, Micah Davis (mdavis7@rvaschools.net), are here to assist you with this process, so don't hesitate to reach out for any reason.
Course Request Form Grades 10-12
Registration for 2020-2021 Virtual Virginia begins on June 3. Enrollments are on a first-come, first-served basis pending available openings in each course. If you know you wish to take a Virtual Virginia class next fall, please let Clary know.
Art Expo Auction! LIVE online June 15-20
We are excited to announce that in lieu of our traditional end-of-year exhibition, the PTSA is sponsoring an online Art Expo Auction. Check out a preview of the auction with amazing handmade quilts by Brigette! More items to come. If you are able to contribute your time and talent, including items for auction, please contact Brigette Newberry brigettenewberry@gmail.com or Pam Embrey pam.embrey@yahoo.com.
Open High Virtual Awards Ceremony & Celebration--June 19
We will host a Virtual Awards Ceremony & Celebration to be broadcast on Friday, June 19 at 7:00 p.m. Thanks to Griffin and Darren for making this happen.
Edgenuity & Performance Tasks
At last count our students have completed 393 Edgenuity Modules and finished 18 Performance Tasks. The deadline for completing these is June 12. Keep going! You're almost there. Performance Tasks can be found here along with submission form:
Summer Opportunities
Attention rising Juniors! Personalized Exploration for College Success (PECS) at VCU is offering a free Summer Boot Camp to get a head start on the college application process. See sign up form here
Are you a student who is interested in learning how to make our schools, communities and world a better place? If you are, you should consider participating in the Summer Academy for Policy Leadership. The Summer Academy Online is open to high school students (grades 9 – 12) from diverse experiences and backgrounds. Complete the online application and reach out to Clary or Micah for help with supporting documents. Applications have been extended to May 30, 2020. There is no application fee for RPS students. To learn more about The Summer Academy Online go to the website: www.policypathways.org.
Please visit Virtual Virginia if you are interested in taking an online summer course. Contact Clary before the June 17 deadline. Courses run from June 17 to July 28, and the cost is $375 per student, per course.
Remind Text Messaging
Remind is our text messaging system. If a student or parent has not signed up, here are the links:
Class of 2020: https://www.remind.com/join/f4ba4b
Class of 2021: https://www.remind.com/join/hhba88a
Class of 2022: https://www.remind.com/join/g8fcbe
Class of 2023: https://www.remind.com/join/4ckdhd
Open High School
Email: cwashing@rvaschools.net
Website: https://www.rvaschools.net/OHS
Location: 600 South Pine Street, Richmond, VA, USA
Phone: 8047804661
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/officialopenhighschoolpage/
Twitter: @openhighrva