RPS Graduation Rate Gains, the Rep Wins, and the next Mayoral Forum
Cheers RVA!
Today will be cloudy with a high of 77, with a low chance of precipitation.
the pulp:
The Virginia Rep Theater has reached it’s fundraising goal of $600k. In mid-september the Theater announced it was on the verge of closing it’s doors if the funds could not be raised in just 11 days. Over 1300 people donated to keep the Rep open.
Officials are planning to redo Cherokee Road on the 2-mile stretch from Huguenot to Forest Hill, via Graham Moomaw at the Richmonder. Four options are being considered, including wider shoulders, a sidewalk, a multi-use path, and curb and gutter infrastructure. Construction is expected to cost $10 - 18 million and would begin in 2026 at the earliest.
Another mayoral forum was held last night, hosted by VPM and Channel 12. The forum was an hour in length, with a combination of short one-minute responses as well as a few rapid-fire questions, with most candidates obliging to the one-word answer rule. Watch it here (the forum begins at 1:00:00).
The next mayoral forum will be Tuesday, Oct 8th at the Rep Theater. Cultureworks is hosting the forum with a theme of Arts and Culture.
the dive:
The Virginia Department of Education recently released data on high school graduation rates across the state. Sarah Vogelsong from The Richmonder reports on the gains achieved in RPS High schools over the last five years.
Superintendent Jason Kamras noted in the RPS Direct newsletter various initiatives have had an effect on increased graduation rates.
The Secondary Success Center offers the opportunity for students who have dropped out of RPS to still earn a diploma.
‘Con Ganas’ helps English learners who need a non-traditional schedule due to personal circumstances, and the Test Taker Academy helps students who’ve completed course credit requirements but need verified credits for a diploma.
Altogether these programs helped 89 students earn their diploma.
Kamras also mentions “big plans” for the future of RPS High Schools including a complete redesign of the system:
One of the key elements of our 2024-29 strategic plan is Passion4Learning, a complete redesign of our comprehensive high schools, anchoring them in rigorous theme-based programming that prioritizes peer collaboration, hands-on learning, and intentional preparation for enrollment in higher education, employment in a living-wage position, or enlistment in national service. Here are the proposed themes:
CARE: Health, Human Services, and Education – Armstrong High School
CONNECT: Global Business, International Affairs, and Languages – Huguenot High School
CREATE: Engineering, Construction, Energy, and Sustainability – New Maury Street High School
EXPRESS: Visual, Performing, and Digital Arts – Richmond High School for the Arts
INNOVATE: Computer Science and Emerging Technology – John Marshall High School
LEAD: Public Policy, Law & Government, and IB – Thomas Jefferson High School
Read the full RPS Direct newsletter here.
the vibe:
Have a collaborative day RVA!
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