Patrick Henry School of Science and Arts

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Media contacts If you are a member of the media, or you wish to alert PHSSA of a news story that may be relevant for this page, please email Kristen Larson.

PHSSA to move into permanent home after holidays

Dear friends,
Thank you for your continued support of Patrick Henry School of Science and Arts. At this time of year, and all year, we are eternally grateful to those who dedicate their time or donations to our school.

Building Update
We are excited that the first phase of construction on the Patrick Henry School Building is scheduled to be complete by the end of 2011. The location of the PH building plays heavily into the school’s STEM based curriculum and the use of the Forest Hill Park in that curriculum.

Upgrades to the almost 90 year-old school building include more ADA upgrades, replacing missing kitchen equipment and restoring the windows to make the building energy efficient. Funds were obtained to renovate the building via fundraising, historic tax credits, a small portion of grant funds, and a small loan.

Plans are in the works for painting and cleaning the building in anticipation of the students returning to their permanent school building after the winter break. Many volunteers are needed for the following work days:

Jan 7, 9am-4pm
2 shifts: 9am-1pm, 1pm-4pm
Jan 7, Outdoor gardening
1pm-4pm
Jan 8, noon-4pm

We’d also greatly appreciate the donation of snacks and drinks for the volunteers. If you are interested in signing up to work or to make a donation, please email PHSSA.volunteers@gmail.com

Patrick Henry School to Accept Applications for
Kindergarten and First Grade Mid-Year Enrollment

Patrick Henry School of Science and Arts, (PHSSA) the State’s first elementary charter school and a Richmond Public School, is accepting new kindergarten and first grade applications for mid-year enrollment as it moves into its permanent location at 3411 Semmes Avenue, Richmond, VA. Download the application which is due postmarked on or before January 9, 2012. Read more of the press release.

Virginia’s First Charter School Shows
Strong First Year Results
PHSSA is pleased to announce passing scores for all of the State Standard of Learning (SOLs) test results released recently by the Virginia Department of Education. The results are based on the 2010-2011 school year. PHSSA had a very small testing population of only 15 third graders, 12 fourth graders and 6 fifth graders. Overall, the school enrolled 142 students last year.

Despite the low testing population of only 33 children, the school reports very positive test results. PHSSA students scored 97 percent in Mathematics, outscoring the state by 10 points. Student scored 92 in English, again outscoring the state. Additionally, PHSSA students scored 83 percent in both History and Science. The fourth graders scored 100 percent in both Reading and Mathematics.

PHSSA Announces Advisory Board
Patrick Henry School of Science and Arts (PHSSA), a Richmond Public School, is pleased to announce the seven members of its newly formed advisory board.

The members are as follows:

Former First Lady Jeannie P. Baliles
Dr. Louise Einolf
Tichi Pinkney Eppes
Amelia Lightner
Dr. Tom Shields
Wallace Stettinius
Lacy Ward, Jr.

“The PHSSA Advisory Board was formed under the outline in its charter and in accordance with the vision and mission of the school,” said Sharon Burton, president of PHSSA Board of Directors. “The collective expertise of these members can relate and advise the school on maters regarding the local region and community, to local history and world geography, to education, and to questions pertaining to legal and fiscal concerns. The Board is honored to have such a diverse group of expertise.”

Garden Update
Great progress has been made on the teaching gardens at PHSSA. Through the herculean efforts of Bill Shanabruch and others, the Historic Bayscape has begun to take shape along with special gardens for each of the grade levels. If you drive by the school, their progress is clear! Next up is work to improve rainwater run off behind the school building.

Congratulations to the Staff of Patrick Henry School of Science and Arts!
On Tuesday, December 5th, the Richmond Public School Board recognized PHSSA as the first place specialty school in the RPS “Get Moving Challenge”. PHSSA was one of 63 schools and departments participating in this district wide challenge. RPS partnered with Cigna and Core Health to bring this challenge to their employees. The RPS “Get Moving Challenge” focused on promoting physical activity among school district employees. Each staff member entered their physical activity on-line via a website powered by Core Health. Their activity was then converted to steps. These steps were then used to complete a virtual historic tour of Virginia. Read more [link to website] Way to go!

PHSSA Receives Grants and Awards
PHSSA is pleased to announce that thanks to our friends, families and neighbors voting, we were awarded $4,087 by Richmond Unite! Also, PHSSA received a $2,000 grant from Prevention Connections to establish a Safe Routes to School walk at the school. Read more about the Safe Routes to school.