Insights Newsletter OCTOBER 2025
Dear Families of Richmond Community Schools,
As we move into October, I'm pleased to reflect on the positive start to our school year. Since opening our doors on August 6, our students have settled into their routines and are making excellent progress in their learning.
Progress Reports Sent Home
First six-week progress reports have been sent home to families via ParentSquare. These reports provide valuable insights into your child's academic performance, classroom engagement, and attendance. I encourage you to review them carefully with your student and reach out to teachers with any questions or concerns. Attendance plays a critical role in student success, and we appreciate your efforts to ensure your child is in school every day.
Important Dates
Please note the following schedule adjustments this month:
Thursday, October 2 – No school for students due to parent-teacher conferences. This is an excellent opportunity to meet with your child's teachers to discuss their progress and set goals for continued success. If you haven't already scheduled a conference time, please contact your child's teacher.
October 20-24 – Fall Break. School will be closed for students and staff. We hope everyone enjoys this well-deserved time with family and friends to rest and recharge.
Looking Ahead
Thank you for your continued partnership in your child's education. The collaboration between home and school is essential to student success, and we appreciate your involvement and support.
If you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to reach out to your school's administration.
With appreciation,
Dr. Curtis L. Wright
Superintendent of Schools
RCS Releases Results of Title IX Athletics Audit
RICHMOND, IN (September 25, 2025) – Last night, Richmond Community Schools announced completion of a Title IX Gender Equity in Athletics assessment at Richmond High School, conducted by Church Church Hittle + Antrim (CCHA). The Board approved the targeted audit in October 2024 as part of the district's commitment to equitable athletic opportunities. CCHA interviewed RHS administration, athletic directors, the majority of coaches across all sports, and student-athletes.
The targeted audit of Richmond High School's 21 athletic teams found no Title IX violations. However, the audit provides recommendations for improved student-athlete experiences. For example, RHS needs 54 additional female student-athlete participation opportunities to achieve proportionality. Female participation dropped from 43% in 2020 to 40% in 2024.
The assessment examined four treatment areas: publicity, locker rooms and facilities, equipment and supplies, and scheduling of games and practice times.
RHS administration has already begun implementing the majority of the report's recommendations:
Girls' wrestling room relocated to Tiernan Center upper deck for safety
Student Athlete Leadership Team (SALT) formed for student input
Equitable content calendar implemented for social media and announcements
Weekly transportation assignment reviews established
Coach training on Title IX gender equity initiated
Using 2023 bond funding, the district is adding a practice turf field, renovating tennis courts, and improving McBride Stadium softball facilities including lighting and amenities.
"These are opportunities to build a more equitable and inclusive athletic program," the report concluded. The District Title IX Coordinator will continue to meet regularly with the Athletic Director to ensure ongoing compliance.
Thank you Earlham College
34 RHS Project Lead the Way and ACP Chemistry students partipated in a day of discovery at STEM Day on today at Earlham where they did the following: Dive into hands-on experiments, explore exciting projects, and connect with students and faculty in fields like Chemistry, Engineering, Neuroscience, Computer Science, Biology, Physics, Math, and Environmental Science. It’s a chance to see science in action, ask big questions, and experience the energy of Earlham’s STEM community. Come curious—leave inspired! Our students always benefit from the experiences in our community!
Test students visit Camp Campbell Gard
Our 6th graders had beautiful weather for their team-building and confidence-boosting trip to Camp Campbell Gard this month. Their favorite part: the zip line! (Generous donors help cover the cost so all students can go.)
Charles Elementary School Cruise In
From classic cars to smiling faces, our school community came together for an unforgettable day. The energy was incredible and the memories made will last a lifetime!
HUGE shoutout to:
* Charles Elementary PTO for their incredible organization
* All our dedicated teachers and staff who made this possible
* Every family and community member who joined us!
Thank you for making this event such a tremendous success! We're already looking forward to next year!
RCS Title 1 Family Night "Super Readers Unite!" - A Huge Success
Thank you to all the students, parents, staff, and community partners who joined us for last night's RCS Title 1 Family Night "Super Readers Unite!" Despite the rain forcing us to relocate from Elstro Plaza to Vaile Elementary School, your flexibility and enthusiasm made the evening truly special. The energy and participation from everyone created an amazing atmosphere that celebrated our love of reading and brought our school community together in a wonderful way. We're grateful for your support and look forward to many more literacy adventures together!
Click here to watch video
Kimberly Shipley Named Civic Hall Performing Arts Manager
RICHMOND, IN (September 24, 2025) – Civic Hall Performing Arts Center is pleased to announce the appointment of Kimberly Shipley as its new Performing Arts Manager.
"We are thrilled to welcome Kimberly to our team," said Dr. Curtis Wright, RCS Superintendent. "Her passion for using the arts as a vehicle for connection and community building, combined with her solid background in fundraising, production coordination, and creative leadership, makes her an ideal fit for our organization."
A 2003 Richmond High School alumna, Shipley holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Earlham College and brings extensive experience in arts management and community engagement. She currently serves as Drill and Dance Team Director at Richmond High School, where she manages fundraising and budgeting while coordinating performances and events.
Shipley has also been actively involved with Richmond Civic Theatre, supporting productions through cast and crew coordination and representing the theatre with professionalism and community commitment. Her experience includes volunteer coordination and process improvement through her work as Placement Coordinator with Girl Scouts of Central Indiana.
"I am passionate about using the arts as a vehicle for connection and community building," said Shipley. "I believe the performing arts can make an incredible impact for audience development and community pride."
In her new role, Shipley will focus on strategic arts management and growth of both community and student programs. She will work closely with directors, community partners, and artists to execute creative vision, enhance audience engagement and cultivate opportunities for Richmond and Wayne County.
