Richmond Public Schools praises growth in literacy on first day of 200-day school

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- The 2,000 Richmond students enrolled in the RPS200 schedule are back in the classroom on Monday, and, outside Oak Grove-Bellemeade Elementary School, it's easy to tell students, teachers and administrators are eager to get back as they hugged one another with smiles.

It's times like these where Richmond Public Schools (RPS) Superintendent Jason Kamras says he has hope and optimism for another school year. The students attending Oak Grove-Bellemeade, Fairfield Court, Cardinal and Woodville Elementary schools are a part of the RPS200 program, where they attend class 200 days of the year instead of 180.

RPS started the 200-day program two years ago to address what it calls "longstanding equity and achievement gaps," and after a couple of years, Kamras said there's more momentum than ever since literacy rates are growing in this school division.

Kamras attributes the growth to teachers and students having more time to study.

"Cardinal Elementary up 27 points. That is right! Woodville up 13 points. Oak Grove-Bellemeade up 14 points and Fairfield Court leading the pack up 30 points on the early literacy screener," Kamras said during remarks shared on the first day of school for RPS200. "This increase in literacy data: it's not just about numbers. It's a sign that our youngest learners are gaining the foundational skills they need to succeed now and beyond."

Speaking of literacy rates, Kamras -- who is now coming off a contract extension until 2029 -- said he has a goal for 100% of third graders to read at grade level.