Greetings 9th District Community!

Please enjoy this newsletter full of school information and recognitions.  I am very excited about continuing our work together through the community check ins and look forward to establishing the first Parental Involvement Board in Richmond Public Schools.  We will stand together to enhance the educational opportunities for ALL children in our City.  We will remain optimistic about what the future holds for Elkhardt Middle school as well as the elementary schools in our district.  I am honored to serve!  

Please don't hesitate to contact me at 
Tichi Pinkney Eppes 
Honorable School Board Member/Trustee
 


Parent Involvement Primer
Commonwealth Facilitation works hard to keep abreast of federal updates and policy changes regarding parent involvement. Recent changes on the No Child Left Behind Act now includes specific language for parent involvement. We are working to continuously INSPIRE parental engagement.




Parent Corner
Why Grandparents Matter 
by Linita Mizelli



History Highlight
Honoring Dr. Richard C. Hunter
 
Dr. Richard C. Hunter was once the Superintendent for Richmond Public Schools.  He also  gave expert witness testimony before the presiding judge of the United States District Court of Virginia, Eastern Division, Richmond, Virginia, on school finance in a suit filed in connection with Bradley v. the Richmond Public Schools.

 

During Dr. Hunter's time with RPS, there were various programs designed to enhance student's academic careers. The Superintendent's Summer School for  the Gifted was a program that offered classes in computer technology,history, and biology.   The Arts and Humanities Center, headed by Samuel Banks, was also a wonderful program for children who wanted to explore Acting, dancing, music 
 and theatre.

Not only was RPS flourishing under his leadership, but the entire city of Richmond was thriving as well.  The Honorable Henry Marsh, was the first black mayor to be elected. Our City Council and school board were pillars of strength for our children to lean on. 

This has been a walk down memory lane with RPS!



The Black Sonrise
These schools made a commitment to Black boys 
and are now seeing  big results!


 Schools in Oakland, California, may have found the key to closing the achievement gap between African-American males and other groups of students, according to a recent report.


 In 2010, Oakland Unified School District (OUSD) began offering elective courses specifically for its lowest-performing students: African-American males. 

 

Click here to learn more!

 






Thank you!



9th District Schools
School Partnerships & Enrichment Programs Highlights
 
 E.D. Redd Elementary
 J. L. Francis Elementary
G. H. Reid Elementary
Miles Jones Elementary
E. S. H. Greene Elementary
Elkhardt Middle


School Programs

Growing 4-H Science has brought the  Health Rocks!  program to the Latino population in Richmond city through HYPE at Elkhardt Middle School as well as Greene Elementary School.  
Health Rocks!  is a healthy lifestyle choices program sponsored by National 4-H Council. It helps youth learn skills such as decision-making, critical thinking, and stress management but places emphasis on the prevention of tobacco use, drug use and alcohol use.  


My Brother's Keeper: 
A Year Later
by Broderick Johnson
 

"Helping more of our young people stay on track. Providing the support they need to think more broadly about their future.  Building on what works, when it works, in those critical life-changing moments." 


 That's how President Obama explained the My Brother's Keeper initiative a year ago when it first launched. And in the 12 months since, we've seen a tremendous response from people and organizations at all levels that are answering the President's call to action.

 


From Boys to Young Men
  
The Ninth District would like to take a moment to recognize two excellent young men who  started RPS in elementary school.
  
LTC Malik A. Nabors, a senior, is currently a Battalion Commander at Franklin Military Academy.   Malik plans to enroll in the National Guard  and attend VSU.

Douglas Smith is a senior at Open High School and in a dual enrollment program at J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College 
where his GPA is a 4.0. 
 


Black Girls Rock!
  
BLACK GIRLS ROCK! Inc. is a 
non-profit youth empowerment and mentoring organization established to promote the arts for young women of color, as well as to encourage dialogue and analysis of the ways women of color are portrayed in the media.


New Book Series Dedicated to 
Empowering  Black Girls

Juniors Read launched their company and is preparing to launch a book series dedicated to empowering young black girls aged 2-9 years old through love, literacy and culture.



Health News
Asthma Triggers
  
What is Asthma?

Asthma is very common among children, teens and adults. It is a disease that causes the airways of the lungs to tighten.


 

Click here to learn more about what triggers asthma.


Save the Date!
  
March 5th 
3rd quarter Interim Student Grading Reports Issued

March 12 & 13 
Parent Teacher Conferences 

March 21
  Community Check In and Family Fun Day