Category Archives: schools

Another VCU Siren Test

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Dear Monroe Park Campus Community Advisory Group:

I wanted to let our neighbors know that at noon on Wednesday, September 3, 2008, VCU will conduct a full test of its emergency communications system.
The full test of the system will include 10 sirens on both the Monroe Park and MCV campuses along with text messages, digital signs, e-mails and Web site information that are part of a multi-channel system for communicating emergency information to VCU students, employees, parents and neighbors.

The sirens will sound a fast, up-and-down wail for three minutes, and after a one-minute pause, sound a steady wail for one minute to signal “all clear” to end the test.

We want to remind our neighbors that in a real emergency, sirens will sound for four minutes to signal that an immediate, life-threatening emergency has occurred or is imminent. The purpose of the siren is to alert people outside of campus buildings to immediately seek secure shelter and additional information. People in campus buildings should remain where they are and seek additional information about what is happening and how to respond. People off campus should not come to campus but should seek additional information. Once the campus environment is determined to be safe, the “all clear” even tone siren will be activated for two minutes.

A reminder about text messaging and our VCU Alert Web site: text messaging is the only channel available that can provide personal communication to you wherever you have cell phone service. Text messages will be used for notifications about emergencies, but will also be used to announce closings and delays for inclement weather. There is no cost for enrolling. If you haven’t done so already, you may sign up for text messaging now at www.vcu.edu/alert/notify.

Emergency information also will be available on the VCU Alert Web site at www.vcu.edu/alert, (also accessible off the VCU homepage at www.vcu.edu).

Following the test, we welcome your comments or feedback. You can e-mail us at vcualert@vcu.edu.

In addition, please note that full tests of the VCU Emergency Communications system are conducted near the beginning of each semester. Monthly checks of the siren system, consisting of a one-minute fast wail that also recharge the siren batteries, are conducted at noon on the first Wednesday of each month.

As always, we will communicate with our community neighbors when there is any enhancement or change about which you would want to know. And please, do not hesitate to forward this email to your neighbors, to help spread the word about the siren test.

Sincerely,

e-mail: samessme@vcu.edu

Thank You Michael Paul Williams! “VCU learns growth doesn’t mean prestige”

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On behalf of Oregon Hill residents, I wish to express my appreciation for Michael Paul Williams’ Times Dispatch column this morning.

The school has increased its enrollment by 9,000 students during the past decade. But it has struggled to keep pace — from a standpoint of resources and faculty — to fulfill its academic mission.

Critics of school President Eugene P. Trani, who is stepping down in July, have long complained that he has placed development and enrollment growth above academics. They might call the U.S. News & World Report ranking the chickens coming home to roost.

As the Trani era ends, his successor’s main task will be to restore confidence in academic integrity and to enhance — or repair — VCU’s national stature.

VCU’s promise must not be compromised by its unbridled growth. The school must scale down its ambitions to meet its academic mission. If it is to become a true up-and-comer, quality — not quantity — must be job one.

Despite the hard feelings, Oregon Hill residents are sorry that VCU did not get nationally ranked, we do want what is best for our neighbors (including students getting a quality recreational center), but we are also happy to see that common sense is coming to bear.

St. Andrew’s Students Paint Mural for Jonny Z

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The Richmond Times Dispatch has an article about St. Andrew’s School students painting a mural in honor of the late Jonny Z.

“ART 180 enlisted the help of students at St. Andrew’s to come up with ideas for the mural. Zanin’s friends told the students about Jonny Z — about his love of art and music, community, coffee and pizza — and they went from there. The mural, running the length of a back building connected to Joe’s Inn, 205 N. Shields Ave., in the alley between Shields and Rowland Street, contains a little bit of everything, or “kind of random, fun and colorful,” said Lauren Healy, another project coordinator.”

Open High Mentioned in Article on ADA for RPS

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Richmond Schools Step Up

An addition should be added to Open High for an elevator.
Along with solar panels.

Money should not be that big of an issue.

That building is a beautiful part of Grace Arents‘ legacy to Oregon Hill and Richmond education. It should not be closed. Open High, as a small school, is one of RPS’ greatest success stories.

Congratulations to Beatty and Wolf! They have worked tirelessly on behalf of Richmond children.

First Edict: Eugene, I command thee

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to commit Virginia Commonwealth University to a more environmental friendly future. As King of Oregon Hill, I demand that you, President Trani of VCU, sign a treaty that addresses global warming, along with other college and university presidents. This will improve the the environment of Oregon Hill and the world. I am trying to look past the fact that you are scheduled to sign this on April Fool’s Day, and will take this seriously.