Reams Road Rams Happenings

Joel Eberts, Principal; Joel_Eberts@ccpsnet.net

Suzanna Thomas, Associate Principal; Suzanna_Thomas@ccpsnet.net

Morgan Pilkington, Instructional Designer; Morgan_Pilkington@ccpsnet.net

School Hours:

• 9:25 AM – 3:55 PM
• Parent Drop-Off begins at 9:05 AM

Dear Reams Road Families,

Happy October! The energy throughout our school right now is wonderful. October is always a pivotal month in elementary school as our students are fully immersed in their daily routines, classroom communities are strong, and true academic momentum is under way across every grade level.

Walking through our hallways and visiting classrooms, I am constantly reminded of how hard our Reams Rams are working. From hands-on science explorations and small-group reading instruction to creative problem-solving in math, our students are leaning into new challenges with determination and pride.

None of this growth happens by chance. I want to extend a sincere thank you to our phenomenal teachers and support staff. Their dedication, patience, and tireless effort ensure that every child receives the encouragement and targeted instruction they need to thrive each day.

Thank you, as always, for your strong partnership at home—making sure our Rams arrive ready to learn, rested, and excited. We have a fantastic month ahead!

As always,

Work Hard, Be Kind, Inspire DReams!

If you would like to provide input to help guide the development and implementation of this year's Family Engagement Plan (FEP), please choose one of the following options:

1. Complete the Family Engagement Survey.

2. Email Mrs. Crystal Schirmer at crystal_schirmer@ccpsnet.net.

For additional information, please refer to the 2025–2026 Family Engagement Plan linked here.

Your feedback is valued and helps us strengthen the partnership between home and school to support student success.

Show your Reams Road Rams pride while supporting our school! Our Reams Road Merch Store is a school fundraiser, and every purchase helps support our school and gives our Rams a chance to show off their school spirit.

🛍️ Shop a variety of Reams Road gear, including T-shirts, hoodies, sweatshirts, polos, hats, and more!

📅 Store Closes: Monday, October 12

📲 Ready to shop? Scan the QR code on the flyer or visit:
🔗 https://bit.ly/ReamsMerch

🚚 Best part: All merchandise will be delivered directly to your child’s classroom!

Thank you for supporting Reams Road Elementary School and helping us build school spirit and community!

Our rockwall is back in action in P.E.! Purchased two years ago with help from our REAMS PTA, the wall is a student favorite that delivers big physical and mental benefits. Climbing helps students improve upper-body strength, agility, and hand-eye coordination while challenging them to solve physical puzzles in real time. It’s an incredible tool for building perseverance, focus, and self-confidence in a fun, supportive environment.

Research shows the home environment is the single strongest predictor of whether a child becomes a lifelong reader. Here are five actionable ways to build a culture of reading in your home:

• Read visibly: Let your kids see you reading for pleasure—books on coffee tables and nightstands send a powerful message.

• Keep reading aloud: Don't stop once they can read independently; shared stories build connection and spark great conversations at any age.

• Treat them like real readers: Ask open-ended questions about their books ("Who's your favorite character?") rather than checking off reading logs ("Did you finish?").

• Give thoughtful book gifts: Choose books tailored specifically to their current interests to show you see and value them as readers.

• Make the library a routine: Visit regularly for fun, not just for school projects, and let them freely explore the shelves.

“Jingle Bells!” It’s the beginning of Fall, and holidays will be here before you know it. If you anticipate your family needing extra assistance during the holidays, please reach out to a school counselor to ask about the community resources available.

As part of our 4th-grade Virginia Studies curriculum, students are currently exploring the five geographic regions of Virginia! They are learning all about the unique physical features, history, and key industries that make each region special.

The CCPS Department of Safety & Security has updated the application process for all volunteers, including field trip chaperones.

Here is what you need to know based on your current status:

• New Volunteers: If you have never applied to volunteer before, please visit the CCPS website (or find the link on the Reams Elementary website) to start your application. You must complete the online onboarding module first to begin.

• Renewing Volunteers: If you received an email stating that it is time to renew your status, you will also need to visit the website and complete the new onboarding module.

• Current Approved Volunteers: If your volunteer status is currently active, you do not need to take any action right now. You will only need to complete the module when your current status expires.

Please Note: Volunteer applications will be denied if the onboarding module is not completed first.

If you have any questions about volunteering or chaperone requirements, please reach out to the main office!

Please review and update your ParentVue contact information, including your designated emergency contacts, as soon as possible.

Beginning November 1, Reams Elementary will rely on this information as our official record to verify who is authorized to pick up and release your student(s).

If you have any questions or need assistance, please reach out to our front office—we're happy to help!

As a reminder, the school doors open at 9:05am. Your student is considered tardy if they have not arrived by the tardy bell at 9:25am (we will be flexible the first few weeks of school). Parents, we are counting on you to help establish a good routine and make sure your students arrive to school on time! To better understand the importance of attendance and how it affects your child, link here.

• Choose one of the following:
• Email Ms. Williams and the teacher- meschelle_williams@ccpsnet.net
• Fill out this form: 26-27 Report An Absence
• Call the office (804)674-1370 (option 0)

• Wednesday, October 7th: Fall Pictures
• October 19-23 NATIONAL BUS SAFETY WEEK-write a thank you note to your driver.
• Friday, October 30th: 3 Hour EARLY RELEASE DAY-End of 1st Quarter

Since our students play sports through multiple athletic associations we have decided to create a ONE-STOP-DOC that contains information for families to explore.

Email: rees_mail@ccpsnet.net
Website: https://mychesterfieldschools.com/rees/
Location: 10141 Reams Road, Richmond, VA, USA
Phone: (804) 674-1370
Facebook: facebook.com/ReamsRoadElementaryPTA
Instagram: reamselementary