The Tiger Tea
Hill Happenings 9/16- 9/20
Principal's Message
Happy Sunday!
Thank you to all families and staff who supported our first PTA Spirit night at Taco Bamba! The efforts of our PTA are only possible because of your membership dues, donations, participation in Spirit Nights, and participation in fundraisers. If you have not joined the PTA, dues are $10. Please don't delay and join today (flyer in PTA Roar section)! Please also check out the PTA's first fundraiser of the year supporting our Athletic department in the PTA Roar section.
We hope all students will participate in Spirit Week this week! Let's see that Tiger P.R.I.D.E.!
Highlights from last week:
- Congratulations to Jack and Camarion for having their landscape portraits published in the Virginia Art Education Association's Magazine!
Congratulations to all students who made the 24-25 AHMS Girls Basketball Team!
- Thank you to our amazing PTA for giving the faculty restrooms a much needed refresh!
Every Tiger, Every Day!
Announcements on the Hill
Fall Picture Information
Fall pictures will occur on September 24th. See flyers below and a link to sign up for updates from the company. These updates include promotions, additional deals and the ability to order more pictures at a later time. When entering student information, parents should be sure to enter the student's name as it is on file at the school.
Locker Distribution
The locker distribution Opt-In form will be distributed to students on Monday, September 16th. Students ONLY need to return the form signed if they would like to receive a locker. All forms should be returned to 1A (homeroom) teachers. We are asking for students to return forms by Wednesday, September 18th.
4-Week Letters
In the coming week, students will receive four week letters. A four-week letter under Title I is a notification that a child has been taught for four or more consecutive weeks by a teacher who doesn't meet the required state certification or licensure requirements. The letter is required by the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) and must be sent to parents of students at schools that receive Title I funds. Students will receive a Title 1 Letter if their teacher does not yet have a license from VDOE but is eligible, for classes taught by long-term substitutes, or for classes where the teacher has a license but does not have the required endorsement for the class they are teaching. Parents may email inquires to Principal Ivy (tmayo@rvaschools.net)
Parents and Caregivers, please remind students of our community expectations. We know middle school can be hard. Our school uses restorative practices to engage students and teach them ways to handle stress and conflict. Encourage students to use the Tigers Talk QR code if they don't feel comfortable seeking help from an adult.
- Be Kind- If you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all. it is never okay to use our words or actions to make others feel less than.
- Communicate- If there is an issue, there are loving adults in the building to help you navigate. Start with your favorite teacher, guidance counselor, or grade level administrator. Remember if you don't feel the issue has been resolved, seek help again!
- Keep hands, feet, and objects to yourselves. We use our words to resolve conflict.
TIGERS T.A.L.K.: TAKING ACTION WITH LOVE AND KINDNESS
Students are encouraged to use the Tigers T.A.L.K. QR code if they need mental health support or if they would like to report instances of bullying or unkind acts anonymously. The QR code is monitored by one of our school counselors.
Community Corner
Looking for another basketball or cheer opportunity in the community for kids through sixth grade?
The Upward program at First Baptist is a great option, and registration is open now at this link: https://registration.upward.org/UPW87040
House Page Program
The 2025 House Page Program application is now live! This is a wonderful opportunity for students ages 13-14 to explore government and politics! Applications are due by Friday, October 18, 2024 at 5:00 pm. For more further information, check out the updated program overview and FAQ on the Capitol Classroom section of the Virginia General Assembly website.
IGNITE fueled by the YMCA of Greater Richmond
If you are looking for FREE high quality after school programming, please sign-up for the IGNITE fall session. Transportation is provided for in-zone students. Programming options are available from 3:30 p.m.- 6:00 p.m. Fall session begins September 16th.
Contact Ms. Crystal Taylor (taylorc@ymcarichmond.org), Site Coordinator, if you have any questions.
Citywide Lights On Afterschool Resource Fair
NextUp in collaboration with our OST partners, will feature information from over 30 providers, free food, games, live performances, music, prizes, a youth panel, and much more. Citywide Lights On Afterschool Resource Fair on October 19th, from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM at Martin Luther King Jr, Middle School. Lights On Afterschool is a nationwide event launched in October 2000 to celebrate afterschool programs and highlight their vital role in supporting children, families, and communities. This initiative, organized by the Afterschool Alliance, has become a cornerstone of the afterschool movement, garnering media attention across the country each year. The Lights On Afterschool event is designed to showcase how afterschool programs provide students with opportunities to learn new skills and explore diverse activities, from science and community service to robotics, music, and poetry. These events advocate for the expansion of quality afterschool programs, ensuring that even more children benefit from these enriching experiences.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us directly at info@nextuprva.org.
Dates to Remember
Attendance Awareness Month, Suicide Prevention Month, Hispanic Heritage Month
September 16
Ignite fall session begins
Spirit Week: Multiple Monday
September 17
Spirit Week: Tacky Tuesday
8th Grade Trip: John Marshall Center
September 18
Spirit Week: Wellness Wednesday
VGA Testing: Math 7 and Math 7/8 (Schedule: 4, 1, 2, 3)
September 19
Spirit Week: Throw It On Thursday
Girls Basketball Game: Hill vs. Franklin @ Franklin
Soccer Game: Hill vs. Franklin @ Franklin
VGA Testing: Math 6 (Schedule: 1, 2, 3, 4)
September 20
Spirit Week: Flashback Friday
September 23
Opt-in Locker Distribution Begins
September 24
Fall Picture Day
Sports Corner
All students must have a current VHSL physical form dated after May 1, 2024 and signed by a physician before they can try out or participate in any athletic activities. Transportation is provided for in-zone students.
Girls Basketball
Coaches: Mr. Brouder (gbrouder@rvaschools.net), Mr. McLane (jmclane@rvaschools.net)
Cheerleading
Cheer tryouts will begin the week of September 9th.
Coaches: Ms. West (twest3@rvaschools.net), Ms. Lloyd (clloyd@rvaschools.net)
Soccer
Soccer tryouts will be September 3rd- 5th. Students should meet in the gym at dismissal.
Coach: Mr. Turner (eturner2@rvaschools.net) Mrs. Perry (sperry@rvaschools.net)
Track
Track tryouts will begin September 12th.
Athletic Director
Mr. Kyle Kimbrell (kkimbrel@rvaschools.net)
PTA Roar
Join the PTA
Membership dues are currently just $10 per person. Join now -- click here!
Tiger Lair
TIGER P.R.I.D.E./ THE HILL WAY
P: Prepared- I will be in school on time ready to learn.
R: Respectful- I will conduct myself in a way that honors myself, my school, and my community.
I: Integrity- I will do the right thing and make positive choices.
D: Determination- I will not give up in the face of adversity. I am resilient.
E: Exceeding Expectations with Excellence- I will do my personal best everyday.
Every Tiger, Every Day!
School Attendance
Every Tiger, Every Day! Every Day Counts! Thank you for helping us maintain our chronic absenteeism rate last year of 21%! Our goal this year is 15%. WE CAN DO IT!
School attendance is vital to student academic success at all levels.
The Virginia Department of Education defines “chronic absenteeism” as missing ten percent or more of the academic year for any reason (18 days). Truancy is the act of accruing one or more unexcused absences. Though the definition of absenteeism may differ from truancy, the National Center for School Engagement asserts that the outcomes of a student missing class remain constant regardless of how truancy or absenteeism is classified. Several studies suggest that chronic absences frequently lead to notable academic problems.
Parent/guardians are encouraged to call the school on the day of their child’s absence, but MUST send a written note requesting absences be considered excused upon returning to school. All written notes MUST be submitted to the school within five (5) days of the last absence.
Excused absences are typically those that have resulted from conditions beyond the control of the students or parents/guardians. The only excuses for absences that shall be deemed acceptable for consideration are:
Personal illness (if over three days, the school shall require a note from the doctor)
Personal court appearance (student)
Death in the family (mother, father, spouse, son, daughter, sister, brother, grandparent, aunt, uncle, nephew or niece)
Religious holidays regularly observed by the student
Extenuating circumstances as approved by the school administration
Schoolwide Title 1 Program
Albert Hill is a Title 1 School. Our fantastic Title 1 coaches, Ms. Collier (Reading) and Ms. Russell (Math) are always available to answer your literacy and mathematics questions. We thank them for sharing information regarding our Title 1 status at Back to School Night Thursday, September 5, 2024.
Title I, Part A provides financial assistance through state educational agencies to school divisions and public schools with high numbers or percentages of children from low-income families to help ensure that all children meet challenging state academic content and achievement standards.
School divisions target the Title I funds they receive to public schools with the highest percentages of children from low-income families. RPS Title I funded schools are school-wide programs that are designed to upgrade their entire educational programs for all students, particularly the lowest-achieving students.
Please view this schoolwide Title 1 Presentation to learn more! This information can also be found on our school website.
Breakfast and Lunch
All students are eligible to receive a healthy breakfast and lunch at no charge each day of the school year. No further action is required of you. Your children will be able to participate in these meal programs without having to pay a fee or submit an application.
Food deliveries to students from meal delivery services are not permitted at any time during the school day or at after school activities due to safety and to minimize disruptions. Attempted deliveries will be confiscated and will remain in the main office until dismissal. Parents may bring food to students.
School Communications
If you would like to stay abreast of all of the latest information. Please be sure to sign up to receive Remind messages from our school. You should've already been receiving Remind messages if your student is enrolled. If you are not, you have likely opted out of receiving Remind messages and must change your preferences.
Please also check out the school's website, weekly Tiger Tea (access through school website, social media accounts, or "follow" to receive via email), and follow all school and PTA social media accounts.
-TigerEye ParentLink on Instagram
-Albert Hill Middle PTA private Facebook group
-Albert Hill PTA Facebook account