September 11, 2024

Today’s Forecast

85º | 6% chance of precipitation
Sunrise 6:48 a.m. | Sunset 7:23 p.m.

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3 goals RPS has for the next 5 years

The draft proposes conducting a multi-year research study of the RPS 200 pilot. | Photo by RICtoday

Superintendent Jason Kamras presented the third draft of the Dreams4RPS plan to the Richmond School Board at its meeting on Monday. The plan focuses on ten goals, three of which are highlighted as top priorities.

The three big goals are to improve school ratings, graduation, and academics. The district is working with research agency MERC to establish realistic targets for each goal for the next five years.

School Ratings | Out of 45 total schools, 24 were fully accredited in the 2023-24 school year.

Graduation | Last school year’s graduation rate was 78%.

Academics | The district wants to continue to improve SOL pass rates in reading, writing, social studies, math, and science.

Other key goals include increasing equity, teacher retention, satisfaction among the RPS community, attendance, and funding.

In addition to the goals, the plan includes five priorities for the district.

RICtoday_FoxElementary_RoofRebuild — Superintendent Kamras speaks in front of Fox Elementary, which is undergoing repairs after a fire in Feb. 2022.
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Photo by RICtoday

Exciting and Rigorous Teaching and Learning | Two programs would be implemented as part of this priority — Passion4Reading, to increase reading proficiency among 3rd graders, and Passion4Learning, to redesign high schools based on theme-based programming.

Skilled and Supported Staff | This priority includes a goal to launch a a program called Passion4Teaching to reduce teacher vacancies to zero.

Safe, Healthy, and Loving School Culture | The plan focuses on student mental health, trauma responsiveness, transitions to middle and high school, food, and athletic opportunities.

Deep Partnership with Families and Community | This priority includes further investment in the family liaison program and ensuring that each school has an active PTA or PTO.

Modern Systems and Infrastructure | The draft proposes a new master facilities plan and continued investment in building maintenance.

Want to provide feedback? The online survey is still open and a community meeting will take place before a final draft of the plan is presented at the School Board meeting on Monday, Oct. 7.

Events

Wednesday, Sept. 11

Dominion Energy Jazz Café | Wednesday, Sept. 11 | 6-8 p.m. | Virginia Museum of Fine Arts | Free | Head to the atrium for an evening with Hampton Roads drummer, radio personality, and jazz aficionado Jae Sinnett.

Thursday, Sept. 12

Flowers After 5 | Thursday, Sept. 12 | 5-8 p.m. | Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden | $20 | Join the Dan Schutt Band for a night of funky blues-rock.
VCU Women’s Soccer vs. UNCW | Thursday, Sept. 12 | 6-8 p.m. | Sports Backers Stadium | $8+ | Cheer on the Rams as they face the Seahawks at home.

Friday, Sept. 13

Movie Night with Chesterfield Animal Services | Friday, Sept. 13 | 6-9:30 p.m. | Chesterfield County Fairgrounds, Chesterfield | Free | Bring a chair or blanket to enjoy “The Garfield Movie” on the big screen.
Ballyhoo! and Mad Caddies | Friday, Sept. 13 | 6:30 p.m. | Canal Club | $25+ | Jam out at this night of beach rock and ska with special guests Quasi Kings.
“Friday the 13th” | Friday, Sept. 13 | 7 p.m. | The Byrd Theatre | $9 | See the 1980 slasher in honor of the day.

Saturday, Sept. 14

Stay At Home Parent Market | Saturday, Sept. 14 | 10 a.m.-4 p.m. | Earth Folk | Free entry | Shop from local makers, bring toys and kids clothing to swap, and enjoy live music.

Plan your September

Click here to have your event featured.

News Notes

Today Is

September 11, also recognized as National Day of Service and Remembrance and Patriot Day. The Virginia War Memorial is hosting the free Commonwealth of Virginia’s Patriot Day Ceremony today at 11 a.m.

Coming Soon

Local skincare brand Maven Made has announced an opening date for its first storefront. You’ll be able to find serums, soaps, candles, and more at the Bellevue location starting Oct. 26.

Development

City Council approved a special-use permit for the listening bar planned by Cobra Cabana owners Herbie Abernethy and Josh Novicki. The two now have the go-ahead to open Space Mountain Hi-Fi in Carver. Plans for the bar were announced in Sept. 2023. (Richmond BizSense)

Shop

SCRAP RVA is opening its new digs on Tuesday, Sept. 24 — but before that, the Northside creative reuse store is having a half off sale. The entire shop is 50% off from now until Saturday, Sept. 21.

History

A new exhibit will open at the Black History Museum on Wednesday, Sept. 18. Dive into the legacy of local healthcare and the contemporary search for equity at “A Prescription for Change: Black Voices Shaping Healthcare in Virginia.”

Number

$6,500. That’s how much Virginia Credit Union donated to Feed More as part of its partnership with the Flying Squirrels. VACU gives $5 for each strikeout recorded by Squirrels’ pitchers all season long. This was the ninth year for the Strikeout Hunger campaign.

Film

See an indie feature from Richmond filmmaker Dalton Pope on the big screen when “Solitude” premieres at the Byrd on Saturday, Sept. 21. The horror film is based on the History Channel show “Alone” and was partially shot in Mechanicsville. Tickets are $9. (Style Weekly)

Festival

Pridefest is this weekend

This year’s fest will include local and national acts. | Photo by Michael Hostetler Photography

Pride Month might be June, but Virginia’s biggest Pride party takes place this Saturday, Sept. 14 from 12 to 8 p.m. at the former Bon Secours Training Center.

🎶 Who’s performing

In addition to headlining acts Tank and the Bangas, Crystal Waters, and Robin S, RuPaul’s Drag Race alums Mistress Isabelle Brooks and Kennedy Davenport, DJ Lez Pop, Landon Elliott, and Bryce Bowen will also take the stage.

🚲 How to attend

Take the Pulse to the Science Museum stop or Route 20 to Robinson and Broad. If you bike, find the racks near the training center.

You can park for free in the lots close to the DMV, or find street parking on Leigh. Rideshare drop-off is at 2014 W. Leigh St.

🎒 What to bring

Leave dogs, coolers, and large backpacks at home. Guests can bring two unopened bottles of water or an empty refillable container. There will be free bottled water and a water station to refill bottles at the festival.

The Buy

We’ve found the best game watching gear for your comfiest, rowdiest, most on-theme football season yet:

🏈 This chip and dip serving set is perfect for game night.
🏈 Impress guests with this novelty football ice cube mold for cocktails.
🏈 Create an instant couch cup holder with this no-spill drink holder.
🏈 Opt for a bamboo couch arm tray to hold snacks and drinks.
🏈 Shop this “Pardon the noise, we’re okay — it’s just football season” doormat.

More worth The Buy

Answered

On Saturday, we quizzed you on the origins of “Virginia is For Lovers.”

We love this Lewis Ginter LOVEwork. | Photo by RICtoday

Around 38% of respondents were correct — it was adopted by the Virginia State Travel Service in 1969. Richmond ad agency Martin & Woltz Inc. produced the iconic slogan.

Share the love with us by telling us your favorite LOVE sign at the button below. You could be featured in a future newsletter.

LOVE is all you need

The Wrap

Robin Schwartzkopf in a red button down shirt

Today’s edition by:
Robin

From the editor

You might recognize Maven Made from our Made in Richmond product guide. You can find everything from snacks and drinks to clothing and home goods — all made right here in the River City.

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