Welcome Back Students!
Dr. Dana T. Bedden, medical Superintendent of Richmond Public Schools
As Richmond Public Schools (RPS) prepares for the 2015-16 school year, we should do so with one common goal in mind … progress. Progress by any measure will determine whether our district is truly on the road to glory. Progress will validate the work we are doing to build a better district. And progress will bring our district one step closer to the reality of academic success for each of our nearly 24,000 students.
Chinese philosopher Lao Tzu stated that, “The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step.” As a district, RPS is taking steps to redefine the academic experience for students and families by providing new approaches to teaching and learning across the school district. We are committed to doing the work needed each and every day, taking one step at a time, to support the Academic Improvement Plan and the accompanying goals.
This year, RPS has changed the start times for all schools in an effort to better prepare students for success each day. In addition, the district is pioneering an arts integration program at Binford along with establishing a complete International Baccalaureate pathway for RPS students from Chimborazo to Lucille Brown to Thomas Jefferson. These are tangible examples of RPS’commitment to providing its students with a 21st century education that will prepare them to compete in a global marketplace.
The continued commitment to transparency and authentic engagement that exists in RPS is another step we are taking this year. Both our new “Let’s Talk!” platform and the Multicultural Services Center represent additional efforts to ensure that parents and stakeholders across the board have an opportunity to be heard. The leadership team from the central office also intends to meet regularly with both students and staff members to receive their counsel. We want to use this feedback to fuel our efforts for continuous improvement.
On behalf of the Richmond City School Board and district leadership, we wish the entire RPS family an exciting and successful 2015-2016 school year. Together, we will take the necessary steps toward reaching the lofty goals and expectations we’ve set for our district.
Let’s have a great year!
Sincerely,
Dana T. Bedden, Ed.D.
