Issuu

SPOTLIGHT

INSPIRATION

ACTIVITIES

SCHEDULES

PARENT NATION

SPARTAN NEWS

COLLEGE PREP

19 November 2023

CEO MAGAZINE LOOKING AHEAD Check out What’s Happening at Richard Wright

Special Edition An Interview with WNN Lead Anchor & National Honor Society President Senior Ambassador Daria Craddock

Table of Contents 3

CEO MESSAGE

SPARTAN NEWS

REMINDERS

The latest and greatest with new video link

End of the season for Volleyball and Football as Basketball and Track begin

Things to keep in mind each and every day

STUDENT SPOTLIGHT

PARENT NATION

GUIDANCE CORNER

A look at one of Richard Wright’s Exceptional Leaders Ambassador Daria Craddock

Looking for Inspirational parents for the “10 Second Moment”

College Prep and Dual Enrollment applications open

SATURDAY SCHOOL

WISE OWL

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

The importance of the Saturday program and upcoming dates

The first billionaire AfricanAmerican woman, co-founder of BET, Sheila Crump Johnson

Inspirational thoughts and new perspectives

20/21

THE WEEK AHEAD

SCHOOL DIRECTORY

SEASON STYLE WATCH

The schedule for the week of November 1-3, 2023

All the school contacts you may be in search of

The latest in fashion and join the movement with “We All We Got” gear

IMPORTANT DATES

EDUCATOR SALUTE

SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS

Fall weather brings November dates to be on the lookout for

Gratitude for educators who continue to shape the world

Follow, subscribe, and share all the great RW content

Thank you for all you do as parents/guardians. We cannot believe that we have completed seven weeks of school already. Our students have been absolutely phenomenal. Parents, I ask that you continue checking in with your child every day to ensure that they are completing their homework and class work.

CHECK OUT OUR LATEST VID HERE We thank you for the opportunity to serve you, your child, and your family. All the Best,

Dr. Marco Clark FOUNDER & CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER 3

STUDENT SPOTLIGHT DARIA CRADDOCK Daria Craddock a 12th grader at Richard Wright Schools has been a stalwart student since the 8th grade. She is the President of the National Honor Society and a Richard Wright Student Ambassador. Ms. Craddock is currently being sought after by many colleges and universities. During her 11th grade year and even before she had applied to college. Daria was offered a scholarship with an approximate value of close to one hundred thousand dollars. Ms. Craddock continues to serve her school and community with grace and ambition. Kudos to Ms. Craddock for continuously working hard and being unafraid to be great!

What are your goals, dreams, hopes, passions, and/or aspirations for the future? - My dreams and aspirations for the future are to earn my bachelor's degree and hopefully my master’s. I’m not sure yet if I want to pursue a PhD because I know that they take a lot of work and are very expensive. I hope to become an attorney, however, I'm still deciding on the type of law I want to practice. I’ve always had a fascination with houses and the home-buying process, therefore I want to be a realtor. I think I’ll practice real estate law so that I can in some way combine my two passions. I aim to own a real estate brokerage or a law firm.

What college(s) do you hope to attend and what do you want to major in? - I have a few different colleges on my radar but my top 3 are Clark Atlanta University, Florida A&M University, and Delaware State University. I’m not 100 percent sure on my major yet. However, I am seriously considering political science or pre-law studies because I want to be an attorney. I’m also considering doing a double minor in business and journalism. How do you envision your life in 5, 10, 20 years? - In 5 years, I hope to have graduated college with my bachelor's degree and either working or in grad school. In 10 years, I’ll be almost 30, and hopefully, I will be practicing law at a prestigious firm or selling houses all over the U.S. In 20 years, I hope to be married with children. I’ll be close to 40, and I’ll still be working hard. I want to have accomplished many things by then. Do you have a role model and who is that and why? - I have a few different role models that I look up to for different reasons. My most important ones are my mom and grandma. I admire them because of their hard work and dedication to their careers and our family. They are two of the most important women in my life and I love them very much. My other role models are Beyonce and Michelle Obama. They inspire me to follow my dreams and never stop learning. What is your favorite quote or something that you live by? - I have many quotes that I live by but one of my favorites is “Nevertheless, she persisted”. It’s a reminder to always keep going no matter how hard it gets. 5

What has been your experience at Richard Wright? - My experience at Richard Wright has been great. It’s been a journey; I’ve had my share of ups and downs. I’ve met so many great people including teachers and students. I’ve gained mentors and have been given numerous opportunities that I couldn’t have gotten anywhere else. What is your favorite memory/memories? - I have so many, but some of my favorite memories are doing TikToks with my favorite teachers, going on field trips with my class, and watching the homecoming performances at the pep rallies. Another favorite memory of mine was the blue castle and being on the step team.

How does it feel to be a leader? - Honestly, I’m not sure. It’s hard to describe. Sometimes it can be overwhelming and uncomfortable being in the spotlight, but it does feel nice to be recognized for my accomplishments. I always try to remain humble and never think that I’m better than anyone else. What is your favorite thing about Richard Wright or what do you think you will miss? - My favorite thing about Richard Wright is the familial bond. I’ll miss the teachers and the students that I’ve built relationships with over the years. I’ll miss family matters and all the fun activities we do like spirit week and the pep rallies. What are you looking forward to in your Senior year? - I’m looking forward to all of the senior activities like senior week, senior inauguration, and of course prom. I’m both sad and excited about graduation. I’ve already taken my cap and gown pictures. It’s now starting to set in that I’m about to be finished with high school. 6

What was it like interviewing the Divine Nine? - This was such a wonderful experience. I feel honored to have been able to meet and interview some of the Divine Nine Presidents. I am very familiar with the National PanHellenic Council and its significance in African-American history. The event was awesome and all of the Presidents were very nice. I was a little nervous to meet them, but I kept calm during the interviews.

How was it serving as the co-moderator for the Summit on Non-Violence? - The 2023 Difference Makers Summit on Non-Violence was a great experience. There were many different people and organizations there that work together to make our streets safer. I was able to ask questions and really listen to some of the concerns of DMV residents. It’s great to know that these organizations are actively coming up with solutions to fix the problems in our community. How was your experience attending the Radio & Television Correspondents Association (RTCA) Dinner? - The RTCA Dinner was very nice. I learned more about the importance of journalism and I witnessed talented journalists be awarded for their amazing work. I met Minority Leader of the U.S. House of Representatives Hakeem Jeffries, Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton, and CNN Political Commentator Symone Sanders. - We saw many more people that we didn’t get the chance to meet such as Majority Leader of the U.S. Senate Chuck Schumer. Everyone was dressed well and the venue was beautiful. I had a good time.

What is your favorite food? - My favorite food is chicken tenders. I also love sandwiches and chicken alfredo. Favorite Music? - I love many different genres, but my favorites are Rap, R&B, and Gospel. I love listening to music and singing along. Favorite Fashion/Style? - I’m a big fan of casual/streetwear clothing. I’m a jeans, tshirt, and sneakers type of girl, but every so often I will dress up. I like to think of myself as a sneakerhead in training; I’m slowly building my collection. I love wearing jewelry, especially bracelets and earrings. Favorite Place in DC? - I don’t necessarily have a favorite place but I do like exploring the city, especially the H Street area. I like going around and looking at all the murals and the different restaurants. I also like riding around near the White House looking at all the architecture and luxury real estate.

Lastly, what advice would you give underclassmen? - Advice that I would give to underclassmen is to be yourself, stay focused, and stay out of trouble. Get involved with extracurricular activities and make yourself known around school. Start earning community service hours early; it will help you in the long run. And last but not least have fun and cherish every moment because it won’t last forever. Don’t be in such a rush to grow up.

“I’m truly grateful and thankful for my time here at Richard Wright. I’ve had the opportunity to do so many amazing things and meet so many wonderful people. I’ve been able to network and make a lot of important connections. Not to mention, I’ve built lifelong friendships and relationships at this school. I’ve met some of my favorite teachers and friends here. I can’t imagine myself at any other school. It’s been a great 5 years.” 8

Family, the energy throughout the building has truly been electric. We are also thankful for the young people who showed up for Saturday School this past Saturday. Parents if your child is in the 8th, 9th or 10th grade, we need them in Saturday School. Our Saturday programming is designed to address the deficiencies we analyzed at the start of the school year.

Parents, we are constantly evaluating student academic data and overall performance. As you know, all of our students were given a diagnostic exam at the beginning of the school year to assess their academic performance levels. After the assessments were completed our Academic Leadership Team did a thorough analysis and concluded that we need to revive our Saturday School to address academic deficiencies.

The analysis revealed some areas of concern which need some extended time to address. This is not uncommon for students to show signs of needing improvement during the lack of schooling in the summer. In order to ensure that we are completing the task of ensuring that every student is “College Ready”. We need all students in grades 8-10th in “Saturday School”. Please see the schedule below.

SATURDAY SCHOOL SATURDAY SCHOOL SCHEDULE FOR 8th, 9th, and 10th GRADERS

9:45AM - 12:00 PM November 18, 2023 December 2, 2023 December 9, 2023

December 16, 2023 January 20, 2024 January 27, 2024

February 3, 2024 March 2, 2024 March 9, 2024 9

SCHOOL STARTS @8AM SHARP!! PLEASE BE ON TIME AND IN FULL UNIFORM.

THIS WEEK’S SCHEDULE PARENTS WE NEED YOUR HELP!!!!! PLEASE ENSURE THAT STUDENTS GET TO SCHOOL ON TIME ……

Students will not be admitted after 8:20am without a parent, a note from court, or a doctor's note.

School Schedule Week of November 20-25, 2023 Monday, Nov. 20

Full Day of Learning - Dismissal @3:30 pm

Tuesday, Nov. 21

Full Day of Learning - Dismissal @3:30 pm

Wednesday, Nov. 22

Half Day of Learning - Dismissal @12:30 pm

Thursday, Nov. 23

School Closed

Friday, Nov. 24

School Closed

STAFF & STUDENTS RETURN ON NOVEMBER 29th @ 8AM 8

IMPORTANT CALENDAR DATES NOVEMBER IS NATIVE AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH

PICTURE DAY (NOVEMBER 20th) YRBS SURVEYS 8th - 12th grades (NOVEMBER 20th) STUDENT LUNCHEON (NOVEMBER 21st) THANKSGIVING BREAK (NOVEMBER 23-29th)

SPARTAN

NEWS

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE SPARTAN VOLLEYBALL AND FOOTBALL TEAMS AS THEY FINISH UP THEIR EXCITING SEASONS and to OUR DEDICATED COACHES...

Volleyball Coach Mya and Football Head Coach McCauley, Assistant Head Coach Richardson, Assistant Coach Johnson!!! KUDOS to the SENIORS on those teams for your leadership and efforts to model SPARTAN pride and determination!

VOLLEYBALL FOOTBALL Stay tuned for details as the 1st SPARTAN BASKETBALL GAME is FRIDAY, DEC. 1st and INDOOR TRACK is coming soon. Be sure to check in with Coach Singleton for permission slips and more updates. 12

BASKETBALL

Sheila Crump Johnson (born January 25, 1949) is an American businesswoman, co-founder of BET, CEO of Salamander Hotels and Resorts, and the first billionaire African-American woman. In 1980 Johnson cofounded Black Entertainment Television, the first station focused on the needs, interests, and culture of African Americans. In addition to initiating successful programming for adult audiences, she created Teen Summit, a weekly show that allowed teenagers to talk candidly about important issues in their lives.

WISE

OWL

Since selling her interest in BET in 2000, Johnson has focused on numerous real estate and business opportunities near Salamander Farm, her 200-acre property in Middleburg. She is president of the Washington Mystics, a Women's National Basketball Association team, and also owns minority shares of the Washington Capitals and the Washington Wizards. She is a photographer and has designed a line of luxury linens.

READINGRECOMMENDED The co-founder of BET and first African American woman billionaire shares her deeply personal journey through love and loss, tragedy and triumph—an inspiring story of overcoming toxic influences, discovering her true self, and at last finding happiness in her work and life. Walk Through Fire is a uniquely American success story. And it is the deeply personal portrait of one woman who, despite heartache and obstacles, finally found herself and her place in the world. 13

ON POINT: PARENT

NATION

U N I T I N G R I C H A R D

A S

O N E

W R I G H T

PARENT NATION MEETINGS WILL RESUME AFTER THE NEW YEAR!

Contact: Ms. Randi Glover 202-500-9413 Director of Parent and Community Engagement

LOOKING FOR PARENTS INTERESTED IN BEING A PART OF OUR POPULAR DAILY QUOTE SEGMENT “10 SECOND MOMENT FOR SUCCESS.” PLEASE EMAIL MRS. GLOVER RGLOVER@RICHARDWRIGHTPCS.ORG TO SCHEDULE YOUR FILMING SESSION. PARENTS ARE LINING UP TO JOIN THE FUN . IF YOU HAVE NOT DONE SO ALREADY, PLEASE LIKE OUR SOCIAL MEDIA PAGES ON ALL OUR PLATFORMS AND READ OUR NEW CEO MAGAZINE IN ITS ENTIRETY!!! 11

CALLING INTO THE SCHOOL

📞

Parents, just in case you are unfamiliar with our phone system, let's take a moment to take you step by step to ensure you reach the person best suited to answer your questions. First, please dial 202388-1011 and listen to the school’s message. Then dial the appropriate extension number (listed below to reach the correct person or to leave a message). Hopefully, this will close the gap on any questions you may have. If not, please feel free to email Mrs. Glover at rglover@richardwrightpcs.org.

EXECUTIVE ORGANIZATIONAL LEADERSHIP

128 Alisha Roberts-Funderburk (Chief of Operations) 160 Michelle Santos (Chief Creative Officer) 131 Carolyn Youngfolk (Chief of Staff) 135 Lamarge Wyatt (Chief Academic Officer) 155 Randi Glover (Director of Parent and Community Engagement)

SCHOOL BASED LEADERSHIP & ASSISTANTS 1172 056 058 160 126 149 150 158 120 200 119 118 148 199 059 112 128

Danzell Bussey (Academy Director) Eugenia Turner (Director of Academics) Roger Murray (Director of Journalism and Media Arts) Issac Jackson (Multi-Media Arts and Technology Director) Valeria Rodriguez (Director of Student Support Autism and Self-Contained) Dr. Kevin Parson (Director of Student Support Instructional Learning ) Kacey Holland (Director of Student Support Behavioral Compliance) Helen Compton-Harris (Director of Outreach, Planning, and Development) Kara Sheler (Director of Admissions and Enrollment) Leia Harris (Director of Attendance and Truancy Monitor & Director of Academic Counselor) Darryl Singleton (Dean of Students) Cheryl Mayfield (Dean of Students) LaRhonda Wright (Main Office Manager) Angela Fornah (Nurse) Shara Cyrus (Clinical Social Worker) Carlette Jones (Therapist) Kelli Parks (Exec. Assistant to the Chief of Operations)

FACULTY

Lindsey Laster - English Language Arts (8th); English IV (12th) Llaster@richardwrightpcs.org Tyrice Brown - English I (9th) Tbrown@richardwrightpcs.org Ashley Wilson - English II (10th) Awilson@richardwrightpcs.org Jillian Uzuegbu - English III (11th); DC History (12th) Juzuegbu@richardwrightpcs.org Evan Jackson - Algebra I (9th) Ejackson@richardwrightpcs.org Melissa Alto - Algebra II/Trig. (11th) Malto@richardwrightpcs.org Marsha Chamberlain - Biology (10th) Mchamberlain@richardwrightpcs.org Francis Ayissi - Chemistry (11th); Pre-Algebra (8th) Fayissi@richardwrightpcs.org Rachel Nelson - U.S History (8th) Rnelson@richardwrightpcs.org William Morse - U.S History (9th); World History (11th) Wmorse@richardwrightpcs.org Joe Gassert - Latin (11th) Jgassert@richardwrightpcs.org Allen Lester - Intro to Film (8th) Alester@richardwrightpcs.org Elijah Gordon - Intro to Photography (8th) Elijah.gordan@richardwrightpcs.org Dwayne Charlton - Music (9th) Dcharlton@richardwrightpcs.org Summer Johnson - Dance Theater (9th) Summer.johnson@richardwrightpcs.org Anthony Carr - Studio Art (10th) Acarr@richardwrightpcs.org Jessica Featherson - Dance (10th) Jfeatherson@richardwrightpcs.org Desmond Smith - Graphic Design (12th) Dsmith@richardwrightpcs.org Dahia Frazier - Student Support Teacher Dfrazier@richardwrightpcs.org Donnetta Mcfadden - Student Support Teacher Dmcfadden@richardwrightpcs.org Gerald Caver - Student Support Teacher Gcaver@richardwrightpcs.org 15

SALUTE TO EDUCATORS Please join me in a salute for all educators who diligently work hard on behalf of all students and families. As an educator with 30 years of experience, I realize that educators are not perfect, but then again, no one is. I’m asking you to take a moment to salute an educator you know for the courage to continue preparing our young people to become tomorrow’s leaders. Without good educators, all careers would cease to exist.

SCHOOL IDs: WE ARE IN THE PROCESS OF COMPLETING STUDENT IDENTIFICATION PHOTOS FOR THEIR SOON-TO-BE-ISSUED CARDS. PLEASE ENSURE THAT YOUR CHILD IS “RICHARD WRIGHT READY!” IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS OR CONCERNS, PLEASE REACH OUT VIA EMAIL TO MR. JACKSON AT IKE@RICHARDWRIGHTPCS.ORG

https://www.iheart.com/live/roxieradio-9887/

Richard Wright Schools has its own radio station. Please click the link, follow and share it with your friends. We will start debuting various shows starting in October. If you are someone you know is interested in renting airtime, please email Ms. Santos msantos@richardwrightpcs.org.

Students are expected to report to school at 8am daily. Doors open at 7:45am.

Students are prohibited form using cell phones during school hours.

All students must have signed permission slips for all after school activities.

Parents please feel free to call the school in cases of emergency.

All students must be in full uniform.

Research reveals that young people between the ages of 6-18 need at least 8 hours of sleep to perform at their highest potential.

REMINDERS

SENIORS, PLEASE BE ON THE LOOKOUT FOR SCHOLARSHIP AND CAREER OPPORTUNITIES. SCHEDULE CHANGES OR ANY OTHER INDIVIDUAL SCHOOL NEEDS ARE BEING ADDRESSED ONE PERSON AT A TIME. WE ARE COMMITTED TO GETTING EVERYTHING CORRECT AND WE THANK YOU FOR YOUR PATIENCE AND UNDERSTANDING.

DUAL ENROLLMENT APPLICATIONS ARE NOW OPEN! STUDENTS MUST BE IN THE 10TH-12TH GRADE AND HAVE A CUMULATIVE OF 2.5 OR HIGHER. EMAIL MRS. HARRIS FOR MORE INFORMATION: LEIA.HARRIS@RICHARDWRIGHTPCS.ORG

GUIDANCE

CORNER

FOOD FOR THOUGHT “Knowledge is food for thought, and while food is perishable, thoughts persist. Teachers feed the whole world, many times over.” “Education is not preparation for life; education is life itself. Learning may begin in the classroom, but it certainly doesn't end there”. “Education is the Great Equalizer". Elementary prepares students for middle school. Middle school prepares students for high school. High school prepares students for college, life, and the next steps in their lives.

THE TRIPLE L THING

"We set limits, we teach lessons and we do it all in the name of love." 19

SEASON STYLE WATCH

Brooklyn, New York

JOIN THE MOVEMENT

THAT GEAR IS

DOPE

“We All We Got” Tees: XS- XL $20 2XL- 4XL $25 Hoodies: XS- XL- $40 2XL- 4XL- $45

DON’T FORGET YOUR SNOOP CEREAL

https://www.instagram.com/reel/CyMSW 9oSqwH/?igshid=MzRlODBi

CHECK OUT THE LATEST NEWSCAST OF WRIGHT NOW NEWS Check out the latest newscast HERE

@rwpcsroxie

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@RichardWrightSchools