Patrick Henry Update – Construction, Meet & Greet, Volunteer Opps.

To say that it has been an up and down year for Patrick Henry would be an understatement. The good news is that the school is still standing but not only that it is taking some great strides forward.

In just a week, the door of the Woodland Heights Baptist Church will open again for Patrick Henry School of Science and Arts students. The students will only be at their temporary location until the winter break in December. Construction began in earnest at the old Patrick Henry building on Semmes last week. Most of the work is related to bringing the school into ADA compliance.

The initial project, estimated at $350,000 and led by Brooks & Co. General Contractors, will prepare a ground-floor cafeteria, a portion of the basement and one upper level of the school to receive students, beginning in January, as well as bring it into compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. [via RTD]

The PTA for PHSSA struggled to get going last year but this year is committed to getting off to good start. It all begins with a potluck Meet and Greet on August 4th, 5:30-7:30 p.m. in Forest Hill Park at Shelter #1. Parents are encouraged to bring gently used uniforms for donation, trade or to sell.

Volunteer opportunities abound for both parents and community members. If you like having another local school option please take the time to help out.

• Getting ready for class – Sunday, Aug. 7, 3 p.m. – ??, Monday, Aug 8, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., Tuesday, Aug 9, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. Time will be spent setting up offices for staff and classrooms for students.
• Garden Commitee – A garden volunteer workday is coming up on August 11  5 – 8 p.m. at the Patrick Henry building at 3411 Semmes Avenue. Children are welcome.

Check out the Board of Directors Newsletter for more details on what is going on at PHSSA. Also check out this month’s (August) print edition of Richmond Magazine. An article entitled “The Elephant in the Classroom” discusses how Patrick Henry is leading the way in discussing race in relation to public education. I hope to have a summary of it online soon.