Dear Stakeholders (Faculty, Staff, Students, Parents, & Guardians) of Richmond Community Schools,

As the calendar year draws to an end, and we reflect upon this past semester’s accomplishments, I am pleased to report that systemic structures are being forged. Collectively we all remain steadfast to bringing into alignment the work we have ahead. We will continue to exercise active listening, be solutions-based, and provide extraordinary support for the faculty, staff, and students we serve. It goes without saying that the adversity that accompanied the year of 2022, afforded us all an opportunity to strengthen our character and our resolve.

Earlier this year, I laid out my student achievement visionary perspective and how it correlates

with our corporations’ strategic goals. I informed you that our leadership teams, educators, and educational partners have been working collaboratively to address the current needs of all of our students through quality Tier-1 instruction while systemically aligning our efforts and improving upon social emotional supports. Through resiliency, intentional focus, and strategic planning, we remain committed to meeting our mark. Metaphorically speaking, we all must be on the “same sheet of music” – corporation-wide, to ensure that our students are truly college and career ready by the time they walk across the stage as graduating seniors.

In conclusion, we all know that with each passing year comes change. This past fall during the general election, constituents of Wayne County and the city of Richmond voted in two new

members to our RCS School Board of Trustees. We yet again congratulate Trustee Mrs. Kristen Brunton and Trustees elect Mr. Stacey Mopps and Mr. Peter Zaleski. In addition, we thank Mr. Keith Morey and Mr. Jeff Slifer for their public service within RCS. Even more, we would like to thank the following Trustee candidates for their willingness to publicly serve within our corporation: Bruce Laudermilk, Beth Lipps, Sayward Carolin-Salazar, Windel Stracener, Ronnie Swango, Sam Thomas, and Matthew Yellen. The fact that you all were willing to answer the call to public service speaks volumes to your commitment to our beloved school community and to our cherished city of Richmond.

Happy Holiday,

Dr. Curtis Wright

Superintendent of Schools

RCS School Board Members Jeff Slifer and Keith Morey were recognized at its December board meeting. Keith Morey has been a board member for 4 years. Jeff Slifer has been a board member for 16 years.

Stacy Mopps and Peter Zaleski were elected to serve as At Large members in November's school board election. They will begin serving January 11, 2023.

Congrats to Mrs. Bradburn’s class at Vaile Elementary School for bringing in the most cans/money for the Battle of the Beard Challenge! They brought in 513 cans/dollars. They enjoy a pizza party and were able to dye Mr. Skinner’s beard hot pink!

Overall, Vaile Elementary School raised 1,200 cans and $110. The food was donated to Circle U in honor of Richmond Police Officer Seara Burton and the money raised was donated to Richmond Police Department’s Battle of the Beard competition with Elwood PD, which benefits fallen officers.

We are so proud of Vaile’s efforts to support our community! A special thank you to RPD Detective Neal Vanmiddlesworth and RPD Officer/RCS School Board Member Aaron Stevens for coming to announce our winner and to accept the donation.

Richmond High School Athletics and the Boys and Girls Basketball programs are excited to announce a special alumni night for past RHS Basketball players. This will be a night to celebrate all the former players who have helped to cultivate the great history and tradition of RHS Basketball.

On January 7th, former RHS Basketball greats will be recognized during the Girls/Boys Varsity Basketball doubleheader against NCC rival McCutcheon. We will also be recognizing the 1992 Boys Basketball State Champions. The girls game will tip at 5:00 PM, followed by a introduction of all RHS Basketball alumni. The boys game will tip at 7:00 PM. At halftime of the boys game, we will be doing a special celebration of the induction of 1997 Miss Basketball Lisa Shepherd into the Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame Class of 2023. We will also recognize 1988 Mr. Basketball Woody Austin as well as all Indiana All-Stars that played for RHS. Following the game, a special reception at the Cordial Cork for RHS Basketball alumni as well.

If you are a former RHS Basketball player looking to attend the event, please reach out to Athletic Director Clay Bolser.

We hope to see everyone there to celebrate all that has made RHS Basketball great over the years!

Here is a photo from 1959 of an annual event, the lighting of the Christmas tree in Richmond High School's Social Hall. It was presented by the Y-Teens along with a collection of food and gifts given to the needy in town. Along with the tree, wreaths were hung on classroom doors.

Fake events for Richmond athletic livestreams have been popping up recently on Facebook. These fake events may charge a fee to watch an RHS athletic event livestream that will never show, as it is a scam. Richmond High School athletic events will be avaiable on IHSAA TV or My Team Live TV.

RCS is in need of qualified substitute teachers. If you are interested and want to learn more, please visit our website www.weRrichmond.com/employment

Become a school bus driver now...Get more information or apply at www.mystudenttransit.com

Reminder that our bi-monthly school board meetings are streamed live on our Richmond Community School YouTube page. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKjgn8pfXvSrJrEL-l3Koyw