Empowerment, Development and Opportunity

Download Winter 2025-26 Recap Flyer

 Featured EDO Programming: Cultural Heritage Series

CULTURE HERITAGE SERIES '25-26 WINTER RECAP

• A GEM CALLED GRAVEL HILL
  Mekhi and David of Baker Elementary were this year's Black History Month Poetry Slam video challenge participants, where the two traveled back in time to discuss the historical and local significance of a Black community in Henrico.
• STUDENT-LED SLAM SUPPORT
  Students of Highland Springs High School's Gospel Choir opened the Black History Month Poetry Slam with their rendition of "Lift Every Voice and Sing" and Precision Step Team, an elite competition step team from The Bolden Academy, members also performed.
• BUT WAIT…THERE’S MORE!
  During a brief intermission of the Black History Month Poetry Slam, the audience was invited to check out the HCPS Black History Student Art Exhibit and community resource tables that were displayed in the lobby of the Henrico Theater venue.
• THE MORE THE MERRIER
  Since its inception, this year's Black History Month Poetry Slam winners were a duo. Highland Spring High students Leah and Malai performed their poem, "The Future is Watching Us." The two won the Amanda Gorman Recognition for Change - Best Overall Performance.
• KEEPING HOPE ALIVE
  On MLK Day, over 80 HCPS students were honored as scholarship recipients and Lights of Hope recipients by the Henrico County Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Commemoration Association at its 40th Commemorative Celebration in his honor.
• THAT’S THE SPIRIT
  Equity Ambassadors representatives from each high school assisted the Henrico Christmas Mother and other volunteers at the warehouse to prep books, clothing, toys and other gifts during the holiday season.
• BECOMING GIVING DRIVE
  The Becoming Giving Drive brought students together during the holiday season to collect clothing, shoes, household items, food, and other essentials for those in need. Through their generosity, students made a meaningful impact by supporting families and spreading care throughout the community.
• EDAC MEETS WITH GEAC
  The Equity and Diversity Advisory Committee (EDAC) and the Gifted Education Advisory Committee (GEAC) collaborated on topics like homework and opportunities for gifted education resources for students.

Download Fall 2025 Recap Flyer

Featured EDO Programming: Cultural Heritage Series 

• LIFE IN THE HEARTLAND 
  This PBS docuseries episode follows the Monacan Indian Nation, a now federally recognized sovereign tribe, headquartered on Bear Mountain in Virginia’s Appalachia's Amherst County. 
• NATIVE TONGUE 
  Members of the Diné (Navajo Tribe), sisters Maliyah and Navi opened up the Indigenous Peoples’ Month program with acknowledgment of the Monocan land and introductions of guest speakers. 
• LATINE PRE-CHIA SPROUTS 
  Glen Allen High students were taught about the spiritual uses of Chia Pets on the altars in Oaxaca, Mexico, connecting it with the Day of the Dead/All Saints Day. 
• FRIDA KAHLO’S RESILIENCE 
  A Pocahontas Middle student's illustration demonstrates Kahlo's resilience through life's challenges, including Polio, an abusive relationship, and even a bus accident. 
• HISPANIC REFLECTION VIRTUAL SHOWCASE 
  The Hispanic/Latine community shows resilience (this year's theme) through family, traditions, stories, and culture. By participating, students helped bring HCPS strategic plan's core values to life and contribute to a more inclusive and vibrant school community. 
• FALL RESOURCE FAIR 
  This annual event provides: fun activities, school information & supplies, community resources & interpreters, health services, and career & job readiness information. 
• EDAC MEETINGS 
  The Equity and Diversity Advisory Committee (EDAC) fall meetings worked toward ensuring administrative responses and goal aims for their school year cycle. 
• MURALS OF JACKSON WARD 
  This walking tour was the first departmental field trip opened to HCPS educators, offering the chance to come together in community, learning, reflecting, and growing outside of the classroom while aligning with the district's Culturally Responsive Education Model (CREM). 
• BECOMING QUEENS LAUNCH 
  Becoming Queens students at Highland Springs High were inspired by Mrs. Jasmine Beasley, co-owner of Born Equipped and The Pink Box Project, reminding them that they already have everything needed to create the impact they want to see! 

Download Summer 2025 Recap Flyer

BECOMING '25 SUMMER RECAP

• RICHMOND RACEWAY
  Students got an up-close look at some of NASCAR's finest at River City Dreams' Meet and Greet event at the Richmond Raceway.
• BLACK HISTORY 365
  The Black History Museum and Cultural Center of Virginia welcomed bright young minds from Becoming, engaging deeply with the exhibitions.
• CANOPY ADVENTURE PARK
  Becoming leaders faced physical and mental challenges that required teamwork, communication, collaboration, critical thinking, and community.
• RIVER CITY ROLL
  Physics and recreation were on the menu as students rolled their way into learning and fun while bowling. 
• BECOMING KINGS GRADUATION
  Members reflected on another year of empowerment, affirmation, and leadership with Henrico High alum, Ruffin Prentiss, III as guest speaker.
• FRESHMEN ORIENTATION
  Student voice opportunities were shared at Highland Springs High to promote student belonging and engagement.
• WARRIORS’ COOKOUT
  An informational session was held, kicking off the expansion of the Becoming program to Henrico High.

EDO '25 SUMMER RECAP 

• MAKING IT HAPPEN TOGETHER
  The 42nd annual National Night Out community-building campaign promotes police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie, keeping neighborhoods safer.
• QMS SUMMER BLOCK PARTY
  EDO helped welcome families to free food, games, music, giveaways, community resources, and more to get middle schoolers ready at Quioccasin.
• CELEBRATION OF FREEDOM
  The County commemorated the 160th anniversary of Juneteenth with a powerful celebration of freedom at Dorey Park.
• HHS OPEN HOUSE
  Hermitage High's back to school event offered vendors, back-to-school information, building tours, and prizes.
• BACK-TO-SCHOOL KICKOFF
  The Division of Family and Community Engagement sponsored event for the 2025-26 school year included friendly competition and a variety of festivities for Henrico students and families at the Henrico Sports & Events Center. 
• HOUSING ASSISTANCE
  Continued district-wide, McKinney-Vento efforts to connect with families to ensure resources necessary for a smooth return to school.

Download Spring 2025  Recap Flyer

• A MOTHER’S HEART
  EDO supported and aided supplies for the Division of Family and Community Engagement’s “All Together Tuesdays” May Event, which was a special invite for mother figures in the Spirit of Mother’s Day.
• OPPORTUNITY FEST
  This 1st annual resource fair provided HCPS students and families with meaningful resources and materials to promote authentic learning, social opportunities, and connectedness in preparation for the summer break.
• TUCKER’S CULTURE FAIR
  The annual Culture Fair (backed by EDO) supports the beautifully diverse school, highlighting all cultures represented; this ongoing partnership will eventually tie in Opportunity Fest for years to come.
• MEET THE AUTHOR
  A special invite meet and greet with New York Times bestselling author, Nic Stone, was held as a precursor event to All Henrico Reads 2025.
• AVIATION DAY
  The 3rd annual Aviation Day Career Showcase field trip focused on the 3 E’s Initiative: Enrolled, Enlisted, & Employed. Highland Springs and Varina High students learned about the many career paths available to them at Richmond International Airport.
• VIRTUAL SHOWCASE
  This year’s Elementary Equity Coalition Annual Showcase–designed to provide schools an opportunity to exhibit and share efforts to celebrate diversity, representation, and belonging–was formatted digitally to provide equitable access of information across all HCPS elementary schools.
• MINI GRANTS
  An EDO Mini Grant was provided to support Ward Elementary with its House Siento Pep Rally and Red House Breakfast to promote belonging, inclusivity, and school spirit..
• AAPI HERIATGE MONTH
  Sarah Moss’ 5th grade class at Dumbarton Elementary won a complimentary lunch from EDO for winning 1st place for this year’s Asian American Pacific Islander Book Cover Poster Challenge for their classroom rendition of the book Four Feet, Two Sandals.

Download Winter 2024-25 Recap Flyer

• “WHERE DO WE GO FROM HERE?”
  Middle and high school students used their writing and their voices to perform spoken word poetry in the 3rd Annual Black History Month Poetry Slam.
• 3E’S READINESS: ENLISTMENT
  Henrico High School's NJROTC Naval Cadets, led by Master Chief Walker, explored career options at Fort Gregg-Adams related to water purification, robotics and a parachute simulator!
• ERG UNPLUGGED #2
  Dr. Jones-Oltjenbruns, HCPS assistant director of human resources, highlighted existing opportunities for educators, including retirement planning and home purchasing assistance.
• LIGHT OF HOPE
  HCPS students were recognized for displaying qualities of love and leadership in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. at the 39th commemorative MLK Light of Hope Commemorative Celebration!
• RVA’S LIVING BLACK HISTORY
  Partnering with the HCPS Division of Family and Community Engagement, Richmond legends were recognized during Black History Month, including Monica Manns, former HCPS chief of equity, diversity and opportunity.
• BUILD A BRIDGE
  The HCPS Equity Ambassadors joined with the West End Islamic Center to host a Mosque Open House event for HCPS leaders and staff members to learn more about Muslim students' experiences. 

Download Fall 2024 Recap Flyer

• PRÓXIMOS PASOS
  A bilingual panel discussion focused on advancing opportunities for Hispanic/Latin(e) students and their families.
• BRING THEM HOME
  This event included a discussion on environmental justice and a documentary screening on the Blackfoot tribe's mission to establish the first wild buffalo herd on their ancestral territory.
• ERG UNPLUGGED #1
  Melanie Phipps, HCPS professional learning and leadership specialist, presented information about HCPS’ career ladder to educator resource groups.
• NEWCOMERS EVENT
  Students and families new to Henrico County connected with HCPS resources and the broader community.
• GIVING THANKS
  EDO supported the HCPS Division of Family and Community Engagement's "All-Together Tuesday" spaghetti dinner honoring school volunteers.
• CITIZENSHIP & SERVICE
  The Equity Ambassadors and Becoming Kings participated in festive service projects for the Henrico Christmas Mother campaign and Noah's Children.
• OVERARCHING THEMES
  The HCPS Equity Ambassadors discussed belonging during the first cross-county meeting of the school year.
• REYNOLDS COMMUNITY COLLEGE "ENROLLED" FIELD TRIP
  Students at the Academy at Virginia Randolph experienced a three-part Reynolds Community College tour to explore future educational and career options.
• THE LEADERLINE INC.
  Varina High School's Becoming Kings group learned about career paths in fire safety from the Leaderline Inc.

Download Summer 2024  Recap Flyer

• JUNETEENTH LESSON
  This event focused on dismantling stereotypes and voicing authentic histories (such as those about the watermelon).
• NATIONAL NIGHT OUT
  The department and the HCPS Division of Family and Community Engagement supported the 41st annual event with the Henrico Division of Police.
• HUFF CENTER CLIENTS
  Varina High School's Becoming Kings group created a Zumba dance and hosting a Rip Art class in their eastern Henrico community.
• DESIGN STUDIO
  This summer series offered discussions on how students see themselves, make decisions and think others perceive them. The event used craft projects, from acrylic painting to candle making.
• MCKINNEY-VENTO
  A summer pop-up team engaged with families residing in hotels, ensuring that they have resources for a successful return to school.
• EVERGREEN CEMETERY
  Varina and Highland Springs high schools' Becoming Kings groups helped reclaim rich history in an effort to revitalize the land during a community clean-up service project.
• CREM MICROCREDENTIALS
  This session offered in-depth analysis of EDO's Culturally Responsive Education Model — or CREM — with courses in fostering belonging and empowering school culture.
• BUS DRIVERS AND OFFICE PROFESSIONALS
  This session focused on creating warm and welcoming environments.
• NEW TEACHER ACADEMY
  The session offered strategies to build teachers’ abilities to influence student learning through practicing trust, competence and dynamism in the classroom.
• INTERNATIONAL TEACHERS
  Working with the HCPS Human Resources Department, this EDO session provided professional learning to the division's newest international teacher ambassadors.
• EQUITY CHAMPIONS
  This session supported staff members who lead EDO's Equity Champions, the club sponsors of Equity Ambassadors.
• LIBRARIAN SUMMER RETREAT
  The department cofacilitated a retreat at Sweet Briar College for HCPS librarians in collaboration with HCPS Library Services and the Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities.
• TEACHER CREDIBILITY
  The session offered strategies to help teachers improve student learning through trust, competence and dynamism in the classroom.