Good afternoon, CodeRVA Families-
We have LOTS of updates for you this week! First, hopefully you got the text on Wednesday telling you your student was bringing home their report card, and hopefully that report card made its way home. As a reminder, CodeRVA grades are cumulative, not averaged marking periods. Although we call what we send a report card, it’s really just a progress report. It’s a snapshot in time of your student’s grade, but it is subject to change almost immediately as new assignments are graded. Questions? We hope you will reach out first to your student’s teachers.
Another great resource for academics is your School Counselor. Please make note that if your last name begins with a J, we have made a slight adjustment because so many of our new Raptors have last names K-Z. It must be something in the orange, or the water, or something. For the remainder of this year Mr. Winn will have students with last names A-J and Mrs. Whitaker will have K-Z.
As we are now in Marking Period 2, we are finding that students are mostly compliant with our cell phone procedures, although the end of the day is becoming a time for less compliance since Dr. Harmon and I are both on the bus loop, and I think students think they cannot get their phones taken. Effective immediately, if students use their phones before the dismissal bell rings, teachers will still submit referrals and phones will be taken the next day the student is in school. After 28 years in public education, I am a firm believer that rules still can be rules. Rules don’t end 5 minutes early each day. Related, we have shared previously that Apple Watches are permitted on campus during the school day, and they still are, but if students are using them to manipulate a playlist, text someone, etc., then they will be treated as a cell phone violation. Thank you for your help in minimizing distractions during our school day.
As another reminder, on Wednesday, October 15, 2024, CodeRVA will be administering a free PSAT/NMSQT test to all 10th and 11th grade students. To learn more about the benefits of your student taking the PSAT/NMSQT, check out this page of resources from CollegeBoard. The PSAT/NMSQT will be administered digitally, so please remind your student to bring their laptop fully charged on test day and that they must arrive on time. Students who arrive after 9:00 AM will not be allowed to take the test. Transportation will be provided for 10th and 11th grade students like a regular school day; however, you are welcome to pick up your student after the test is finished. Unless your student has an extended time accommodation, they will most likely finish testing between 11:30 AM and noon. If you plan to pick your student up early, please call the school or email us at info@coderva.org so we can plan accordingly.
Again this year, ninth and twelfth grade students should not report to the building on October 15 due to testing space constraints, but they will be expected to work on assignments at home.
Here is another reminder from last week before it moves down to our Previous Raptor Rundown Reminders section: Thursday, October 23 is the make up day for school pictures, including SENIORS! Students who were absent and those who were not ready to remove their head coverings will sit for pictures on the 23rd. Complete information on Senior pictures can be found here. To order underclass school photos, check out the flyer from Strawbridge here. To subscribe to notifications from Strawbridge on underclass school portraits, including emails letting you know when pictures are ready to order as well as promotional deals and discounts on your child’s pictures, fill out the form here. Please contact Dr. Harmon at rebecca.harmon@coderva.org with any questions. Thank you!
Speaking of pictures, if your student had their picture taken in September and you ordered copies, they were sent home with your student today, Friday October 10. If you would like to order pictures but didn’t, please email Dr. Harmon, rebecca.harmon@coderva.org and she will send you the details. Remember that make-up pictures are October 23 for all grade levels.
Please join me in celebrating our school for an award we recently won at the annual rvatech Gala. Who is rvatech? Check out their website for more information and read a bit of their history here:
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Originally formed in 1989 as the Central Virginia High Technology Network, later renamed the Greater Richmond Technology Council (GRTC, RichTech), and most recently rebranded as the Richmond Technology Council (RVATECH), we are a member-driven association of businesses and organizations working together to ensure the continued growth of Greater Richmond’s dynamic technology-based economy.
Not only did CodeRVA Regional High School win the highest award of the night (the Chair’s Award: an individual or organization that has made a significant impact on the growth of technology in this region, and/or the advancement of Greater Richmond as center for technology innovation), but we also had a member of the Class of 2026 honored as a Finalist for the Next Gen Award. Congratulations to Vincent “Rapha” Sharp! You can find out more about these awards here and check out some fancy pictures here. (The pictures of me are where I am lamenting about having to rent a building and asking for money, which is what I used my 2 minute acceptance speech for.)
We have several community events to pass along from a wide variety of partners who thought you might be interested.
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@ RVA Makerfest! Saturday, October 18, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. 4801 Twin Hickory Rd, Glen Allen, VA 23059. Presented by Blue Cheese Robotics and Build, RVA, this free, family-friendly festival celebrates the local maker community, featuring hands-on activities, robotics, 3D printing, and exhibits that embody the spirit of STEM and creativity.
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FREE Techsters Coding Camp; introduce the middle school girl in your life—your daughter, niece, neighbor, or friend—to a day of discovery at Techsters 2025, on November 8 hosted by rvatech/ and Capital One. She’ll kick off her journey into coding, creativity, and cybersecurity with hands-on activities, inspiring speakers, and her very own first webpage. Only 200 spots available. Don’t let her miss the chance to start her Tech Era today! https://rvatech.com/rvatech-
events/techsters-middle- school-girls-coding-camp/?mc_ cid=5e8ebd27a7&mc_eid= 31047b42ce -
We’re excited to invite you to the Women Coders Coalition Fall Social on Wednesday, October 22nd at 5:30 PM at Triple Crossing Fulton! This is a wonderful opportunity for women in tech to connect, network, and build community. The more voices we have in the room, the stronger our coalition becomes. Thank you for being part of our community and for helping us grow!
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On Thursday, October 16 at 7:30 p.m. enjoy the talents of Lifeforce – Nafs. This immersive experience blends the fire of Dabke, elegance of belly dance, and thunder of live drummers with a live orchestral ensemble performing to both beloved musical favorites and hidden gems. After the performance, savor an authentic Lebanese tasting menu prepared by local Lebanese women sharing recipes passed down through generations. Space is limited at this celebration of culture, community, and the spirit that unites us. Lifeforce – Nafs: Performance – Calendar
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On Sunday, October 19, 1-4 p.m. is the Modlin Center’s Family Arts Day Celebration. An afternoon of hands-on art making activities, exhibitions, refreshments, and “a meet the puppets” workshop. At 3 p.m., attend the performance of Galapagos George presented by Barefoot Puppet Theater. Tickets for the performance are free but required. Family Arts Day: Barefoot Puppet Theatre, Galapagos George – Calendar
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On Sunday, October 19, 4-5:30 p.m. the Department of Music Free Concert Series presents American Song from the Atomic Age. Baritone Thomas Meglioranza and pianist Reiko Uchida will explore a range of American songs from across the 20th century. Composers include Virgil Thomson, Margaret Bonds, Aaron Copeland, Stephen Sondheim, Tom Lehrer, and many more. This concert is free and registration is encouraged. American Song from the Atomic Age: Thomas Meglioranza, baritone; Reiko Uchida, piano – Calendar
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On Friday, October 25 at 7:30 p.m., join us for the 15th anniversary of Celebration of Dance @ UR! The Department of Theater and Dance welcomes an exciting group of independent choreographers, student dance clubs, and UR dance companies that will light up the stage with a wide range of dance styles. This concert is free and registration is required. 15th Annual Celebration of Dance | Modlin Center for the Arts
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On Sunday, October 26, 3-4:30 p.m., join us for the Fall Choral Concert. Schola Cantorum, led by Jeffrey Riehl and accompanied by Mary Beth Bennett, will present a program of accompanied and a cappella choral works from a variety of time periods and traditions. This concert is free and registration is encouraged. Fall Choral Concert | Modlin Center for the Arts
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Richmond Folk Fest returns this October 10-12 to our riverfront. The festival is a free three-day event and features performing groups representing a diverse array of cultural traditions on six stages. Learn more here.
That is it for today, Raptors! I hope you have been enjoying the beautiful weather that started yesterday. Bring on fall! Have a great weekend and stay safe!
#WeAreCodeRVA
***25-26 CodeRVA: Raptor Scholarship Sheet
Need a transcript? Create a self-service Parchment account here: Ordering a Transcript from Parchment
Previous Raptor Rundown Reminders
This year CodeRVA will be providing its own driver’s education course taught by one of our teachers (Ms. Jessica Minks) asynchronously online. The DMV website has all steps for obtaining a Driver’s License here. This program satisfies the classroom component of the DMV’s Step 1: “Successfully complete a state-approved driver education program.” Upon successful completion of the driver education program, families will receive a signed completion DEC-1 card by Ms. Minks. This card can be given to the behind the wheel instructor. Behind the wheel is offered through many home school divisions and private companies. Unfortunately CodeRVA does not offer a behind the wheel option for students. Please note we are often asked about the two topics below, and we have tried to provide responses. These slides will be shared with students at CodeRVA, and it may be helpful for families to preview them in advance.
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Obtaining a learner’s permit is separate from completing a driver education program. Learner’s permits can be obtained at the DMV when students turn 15 and 6 months, and CodeRVA does not have to be a part of the process.
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The test to obtain a permit or driver’s license is not the same as the final exam students take with their driver’s education course.
If you are interested in signing up for Driver’s Ed with CodeRVA, please read the following information carefully.
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Families will be responsible for a $100 payment to CodeRVA’s Online School Payment (OSP) before students are enrolled in the course. Payments can be made on OSP from August 13 to October 31.
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Once families have paid CodeRVA, students will be added to a course in CANVAS.
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The CodeRVA Driver’s Ed course will run from November 3, 2025 – March 13, 2026. There will be no extensions past March 13 for completion of this course.
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Students must spend a minimum of 30 hours on the course prior to taking a final exam that will be proctored at school. The course includes the state law-required 90 minute Parent/Teen video and contract and asynchronous online coursework.
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Please direct course-related questions to Jessica Minks at jessica.minks@coderva.org. Please direct payment-related questions to Melody Krupnik at melody.krupnik@coderva.org
Attention Class of 2026! Ready to buy your cap and gown, class rings, and more?! Mark your calendars for January 28 and February 11. During Raptor Rotation, Herff Jones will be here to help students select items to commemorate their high school years including items required for Graduation.
Join the PTSA here: https://coderva.givebacks.com/
We are so grateful to the YMCA of Greater Richmond for once again giving us a free student membership for each of our 9th and 10th grade students enrolled in Health/Physical Education 9 or 10. (Unfortunately there are no memberships available for 11th or 12th grade students since they do not take these classes.) Check out this: CodeRVA YMCA Activation Guide 2025-26.docx to sign up if you are interested.
2026 Yearbook Orders! Order your 2026 yearbook online now at yearbookordercenter.com (school code: 17686). Yearbooks are $30. All orders will be distributed to students at CodeRVA in May. Please direct questions to scott.ludlow@coderva.org
Seniors only! While ordering your yearbook online at yearbookordercenter.com (school code: 17686), families and friends can design a Senior Pride Ad. Personalize your ad with your favorite photos and an encouraging message to your graduate.