201 E. Brookland Park Boulevard Richmond, Virginia 23222 (804) 780-4332 Mr. J. Austin Brown Principal Ms. Bernita Williams School Counselor 2015-2016 Application for Admission 1. Application Cover 2. Letter from the Principal 3. Application and Selection Process 4. Frequently Asked Questions 5. Student Application Instructions 6. Student Information Form* 7. Teacher Nomination Form* 8. Community Leader Nomination Form* 9. Parent Permission Form* 10. School Counselor Report Form* 11. Back Cover *Signed form that must be submitted as a part of the completed RCHS application.
201 East Brookland Park Boulevard Richmond, Virginia 23222-2722 October 10, 2014 Dear Student and Parent/Guardian: The faculty, students and staff of Richmond Community High School (RCHS) are pleased to know that you are interested in attending our school during the 2015-2016 school year. Beginning with this application, we want your RCHS experience to be both positive and memorable. Please review the admission application packet carefully and complete all sections that require parent/student data. Your middle school guidance counselor must receive the packet from you and he/she will submit it to our school with your academic record and teacher recommendations. Due to an anticipated heavy demand for admission, we will not be able to accept applications after the deadline. Please remember that RCHS offers a strict college preparatory curriculum that requires students to take a challenging honors and advanced placement (AP) program of studies through graduation. All students must earn our 32-credit advanced studies diploma. Our students are also encouraged to take at least one college-level class at a local college/university prior to graduation. It is most important that the student be willing to commit to each element of the RCHS experience. Our expectations for students include but are not limited to the following: 1. Maintain excellent school attendance; 2. Submit homework, projects and assignments on due dates; 3. Participate in bi-weekly family and daily community meetings; 4. Complete a freshman environmental science research paper and a senior thesis; 5. Demonstrate a cooperative spirit at all times; 6. Maintain satisfactory academic progress in all classes; 7. Attend after-school, Saturday and lunch tutorials as needed; 8. Complete no less than 150 hours of community service after acceptance and prior to graduation; 9. Participate in a 40-hour orientation program prior to admission. Our parents are expected to participate in various school activities including: PTA meetings, parentteacher conferences and a mandatory two-hour parent orientation session during freshman orientation week (August 2015). During the orientation session we will prepare parents for the RCHS experience, discuss elements of the school s curriculum such as the mandatory "mini-mester" field trips, freshman research paper project and senior thesis. A written contract between the school and parents that sets forth the academic and program expectations must be signed at the parent orientation session. We hope that you will be able to attend the informational session for parents and students to be held in the school s auditorium at 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, December 10, 2014. Again, thank you for the interest you have shown in our school. Respectfully yours, J. Austin Brown J. Austin Brown, Principal
2015-2016 Application and Selection Process 1. Student submits completed application to middle school August 10, 2012. counselor by January 16, 2015. 2. Guidance Counselor submits completed application to RCHS by 4:30 p.m. on January 23, 2015. 3. Counselor submits applicants first semester grades to RCHS by 4:30 p.m. on February 13, 2015. 1. Student Information Form 2. Teacher Nomination Form 3. Community Leader Nomination Form 4. Parent/Guardian Permission Form (and required documentation) 5. Guidance Counselor Report Form (and required documentation) Students will be given written tests assessing skills in the areas of: mathematics reading writing. 4. Students test & Interview at RCHS on morning of Saturday, February 21, 2015. Inclement weather or makeup test day scheduled for Saturday, February 28, 2015. Students will be interviewed by a 2/3 person panel consisting of RCHS Teachers Alumni Advisory Board members The fifteen minute appointments times will be mailed to parents/guardians. 6. RCHS Student Selection Committee reviews and scores all applicants on a 260 point overall rating scale. 7. Parents/Guardians notifications of admission status to be mailed to all applicants by March 20, 2015. Ratings are based on the following: Cumulative grade point average (GPA) Student application packet Test results Student interviews Teacher Nomination Community Leader Nomination Guidance Counselor Report Attendance Record Core Achievement Parent s economic status 8. All incoming students are required to attend a week long orientation session August 10 14, 2015. 9. Parent/Guardians are required to attend mandatory meeting on Friday, August 14, 2015.
201 East Brookland Park Boulevard Richmond, Virginia 23222-2722 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) What is the mission of Richmond Community High School? Richmond Community High School identifies and educates potentially gifted students of above average ability and creativity. It is particularly committed to serving economically and socially disadvantaged students whose abilities might otherwise go unrealized. RCHS provides a rigorous college preparatory curriculum within a heterogeneous community of learners. Is RCHS a part of Richmond Public Schools? Yes, recognized as one of the Richmond region's top high schools by Richmond Magazine (2010) and US News & World Report (2009-2014), News Week Magazine (2012-2014) and US Department of Education Blue Ribbon School (2011), Richmond Community High School is a Richmond Public School. Where is RCHS? RCHS is located at 201 East Brookland Park Boulevard in Richmond, VA. The building was formerly known as Chandler Middle School. Today, the building is occupied exclusively by the 250 member high school. Who is eligible to apply to RCHS? Public and private middle school students and students completing grade 8 with above average ability and who are residents of the city of Richmond are eligible to apply to RCHS. Additionally, RCHS will admit a few rising tenth graders to fill any vacancies that may occur in the current freshmen class. Do you have to live in the city of Richmond to apply to RCHS? Yes, only residents of the city of Richmond are eligible to apply to RCHS. Documentation within 60 days of date of application must be provided as a part of the Parent's Permission Form, a part of the application packet. Can an RCHS application be submitted electronically? No, all applications must be submitted on paper by the student's guidance counselor. Forms can be filled out electronically, but they must be printed, signed and submitted through the counselor. Are all applicants tested and interviewed? Yes, all student applicants will be tested and inte rv iew ed by RCHS staff, alumni and advisory board members on Saturday, February 21, 2015. The inclement weather date will be Saturday, February 28, 2015. How are selected students notified? RCHS will mail students a notice of their admission s t a t u s no later than March 20, 2015. Who should I contact if I have questions? The admissions selection process is administered by the RCHS Guidance Office, Ms. Bernita Williams. The principal of RCHS is Mr. J. Austin Brown. They can be reached at (804) 780-4332.
2015-2016 Student Application Instructions 1. Complete Application A completed student application for admission to Richmond Community High School consists of the following forms that are included in this packet. 1. Student Information Form Completed and signed by the student. 2. Teacher Nomination Form Submitted to teacher by the student Completed and signed by the teacher Returned to the school guidance counselor 3. Community Leader Nomination Form Submitted to community leader by the student Completed and signed by the community leader Returned to the school guidance counselor 4. Parent Permission Form Completed and signed by parent or guardian Attached two forms of documentation of Richmond residency Returned to school guidance counselor 5. Guidance Counselor Report Form Given to guidance counselor by student Completed and signed by guidance counselor or principal Required documentation attached Note: While all forms are fillable online, they must be printed, signed and given to your guidance counselor for submission. You may fill in basic information (such as your name) on all forms before giving them to your teacher, community leader, parent/guardian and guidance counselor. However, those people may choose to complete the form online. They should print, sign and submit the form to you or your guidance counselor. 2. Submit Application 4. Confirm Application ATTENTION! All completed forms and attached documentation are due to your middle school guidance counselor no later than Friday, January 16, 2015. Student applicants are responsible for making sure that the completed forms listed above are submitted to their school guidance counselor by the designated deadline. All applications are due to Richmond Community High School by 4:30 p.m. on Friday, January 23, 2015. Guidance counselors are responsible for submitting the completed application with all documentation attached to RCHS..
2015-2016 Student Application Student Information Form Student Last Name Student First Name Middle Name Address City, State Date of Birth Current School Gender Preferred Name RPS Student ID# Telephone# Email Zip Code Age Grade Level Ethnicity Parent(s) Name Last Name First Name Home Phone# Cell Phone# Number of Children in Household Do you live in the city of Richmond? All applicants must live in the City of Richmond, Virginia Please discuss hobbies, talents and activities in which you participate. Please discuss your special accomplishments of the past two academic years. Please use a second sheet for additional space. I understand that I must have a minimum average of "B" in my middle school program to become a student of Richmond Community High School. I understand that I must maintain a C+ average to remain in the Richmond Community High School Program. I understand that in order to enroll in RCHS for the 2015-16 school year, I must attend the New Student Orientation Program from August 10-14, 2015. Name Date Signature RPS Student Number
2015-2016 Student Application Teacher Nomination Form Student Name Grade Please rate the above student applicant on each of the following traits. 7 =Never 2 =Seldom 3 = Sometimes 4 =Frequently S=Always Student Traits 1 2 3 4 5 1. Is curious about intellectual matters. 2. Completes and submits assignments on time. 3. Learns quickly through experience. 4. Is talented in the arts (visual, music, drama, and dance). 5. Is creative and original in his/her thinking. 6. Is diligent and motivated while participating in group work. 7. Shows good character as measured by Student Codes of Responsible Ethics (SCORE). 8. Makes unusually creative, perceptive statements. 9. Gets along well with teachers and students. 10. Is adept at self-evaluation. 11. Is independent in thought and action. 12. Demonstrates initiative. 13. Enjoys class discussions. 14. Sets high goals; embraces lofty ideals. 15. Shows leadership abilities with peers. 16. Exercises self-discipline in instructional settings. 17. Exercises self-discipline in social settings. 18. Gets engrossed in challenging work. 19. Demonstrates interest in instructional material by asking questions. 20. Please explain if student is a good candidate for admission to RCHS? Please be sure to include student s areas of strength. Name Position School Phone Signature ----------------------------------- Thank you for completing a Teacher Nomination Form for a potential student to RCHS. Please print, sign and return completed form to student for submission with application package. Date
2015-2016 Student Application Community Leader Nomination Form Student Name Grade Please rate the above student applicant on each of the following traits. 7 =Never 2=5eldom 3 =Sometimes 4 =Frequently S=Always Student Traits 1 2 3 4 5 1. Is curious about intellectual matters. 2. Completes and submits assignments on time. 3. Learns quickly through experience. 4. Is talented in the arts (visual, music, drama, and dance). 5. Is creative and original in his/her thinking. 6. Is diligent and motivated while participating in group work. 7. Shows good character as is measured by Student Code of Responsible Ethics (SCORE). 8. Makes unusually creative, perceptive statements. 9. Gets along well with teachers and students. 10. Is adept at self-evaluation. 11. Is independent in thought and action. 12. Demonstrates initiative. 13. Enjoys intellectual or in-depth discussions. 14. Sets high goals; embraces lofty ideals. 15. Shows leadership abilities with peers. 16. Exercises self-discipline in instructional settings. 17. Exercises self-discipline in social settings. 18. Gets engrossed in challenging work. 19. Demonstrates interest in instructional material by asking questions. 20. Please explain if student is a good candidate for admission to RCHS? Please be sure to include student s areas of strength. Name Position Organization Phone Signature Date Thank you for completing a Community Leader Nomination Form for a potential student to RCHS. Please print, sign and return completed form to student for submission with application package.
2015-2016 Student Application Parent Permission Form Student Name School Parent(s)/Guardian(s) Name Address City, State Zip code Telephone email Do you live in the city of Richmond? All Applicants must live in the City of Richmond, Virginia. Your child is applying for admission to Richmond Community High School, a rigorous college preparatory program of Richmond Public Schools. The RCHS mission, application process and selection process is described to you on a separate page of the RCHS 2015-2016 Student Application Packet. This will require testing as well as the review of your child's records. Because admission is strictly scored, there is no appeal process. Your child will be scheduled to participate in an evaluation session on the morning of Saturday, February 21, 2015. During this time, students will be given mathematics, reading and writing assessments. These tests provide valid and reliable indications of a student's ability to succeed in the RCHS program. On Saturday, February 21, 2015, your child will be scheduled for a fifteen minute interview with a panel of RCHS teachers, students, alumni and/or Advisory Board members. You will be mailed a notice of your child s interview time. In the event of snow or unforeseen absence, a makeup testing session will be provided on February 28, 2015. Please return this form, the requested proof of residency and the completed application package to your child's guidance counselor by Friday, January 16, 2015. APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED AFTER THAT DATE. In order to be considered for admission, we must have written permission to assess your child. We also must have documentation of your residency in the City of Richmond. Please provide us with copies of any two of the following items, noting that documents may not be more than 60 days old: Lease Utility Bill Mortgage statement. We will not be able to accept a telephone bill or a driver's license. I give permission for my child to be assessed as described in the R CHS Selection Process. Without parent/guardian consent, a student will not be considered for admission to RCHS. I understand that students must attend mandatory New Student Orientation August 10-14, 2015. I understand that I must attend a mandatory New Parent Orientation August 14, 2015. Parent/Guardian Signature Date Please attach two types of documentation of your residency in the City of Richmond.
2015-2016 Student Application School Counselor Report Student Name: RPS Student Number: Parent(s)/Guardian Name: Does student have an IEP? Does student have a 504 Plan? Have you attached the following documentation to the signed copy of this form? IEP or 504 Plan (If applicable) Official Cumulative Transcript (with current grades) Most recent report Card** Most Recent SOL Scores** Attendance/Tardiness Report (last two years) Eligibility documents for ADC, Food Stamps and/or other programs ATTENTION!!! School Counselors must submit student s first semester grades to RCHS by Friday, February 13, 2015. **Note: RPS counselors may submit the student profile in lieu of the transcript, report card, SOL scores and attendance. The student s IEP or 504 Plan must be submitted. The RCHS Application for Admission is complete if you have the following items: Student Information Form Teacher Nomination Form Community Nomination Form Parent Permission Form Proof of Residence in Richmond (within 60 days) School Counselor Form School Counselor Documentation Application is incomplete without all required documents. Incomplete or late applications will NOT be reviewed. Thank you in advance for having the completed application to RCHS no later than 4:30 p.m. or January 23, 2015 Counselor s/principal s Name: School: Signature: Date:
In accordance with federal laws, the laws of the Commonwealth of Virginia and the policies of the School Board of the City of Richmond, Richmond Public Schools does not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, color, age, religion, disabilities or national origin provision of employment and services. Richmond Public Schools operates equal opportunity and affirmative action programs for students and staff. Richmond Public Schools is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. The Title IX officer is Ms. Angela C. Lewis, Richmond P u b l i c Schools, 301 North Ninth Street, Richmond, VA 23219-1927, 804-780- 7716. The section 504 coordinator is Ms. Michelle Boyd, Director of Exceptional Education, 301 N. Ninth Street, Richmond, VA 23219-1927, 8 04-780-7911. The ADA Coordinator is Ms. Aishia Shamburger, 2015 Seddon Way, Richmond, VA 23230, (804) 780-6211. The United States Department of Education's Office of Civil Rights may also be contacted at P.O. Box 14620, Washington, DC20044-4620, (202) 208-2545. RICHMOND CITY SCHOOL BOARD Donald Coleman Chairman, 7 th District Kristen N. Larson Vice-Chair 4 th District Glen H. Sturtevant 1 st District Kimberly B. Gray 2 nd District Jeffrey M. Bourne 3 rd District Mamie L. Taylor 5 th District Shonda Harris-Muhammed 6 th District Derick E. Jones 8 th District Tichi Pinkney-Eppes 9 th District Dr. Dana Bedden Superintendent