Leadership and Principal's Message

Principal's Message

Dear RHSA Families,

Greetings Bulldog family! My name is Kevin D. Olds and it is with extreme enthusiasm that I introduce myself as the principal of Richmond High School for the Arts. I am honored to have been selected to serve such an amazing faculty and administrative team here in Richmond Public Schools. I have over twenty years of experience in education, ranging from: substitute teacher, special education, coordinator of alternative education, athletic director, assistant principal and middle school principal as well. I am most proud of leading from a humanistic approach and meeting students where they are. I consider myself a player’s coach or a kid’s principal and believe “Children want to know you Care, before they Care what you know.” It is my desire to meet with my new school community in efforts to gain your trust and confidence as a vested part of your children’s lives. I hope to spend time in the next few months getting to know my student population, learning more about their interests and personalities, while encouraging and reinforcing the rich academic and cultural tradition here at RHSA.

My goal is to ensure students learn and grow in an educational environment that is conducive for all students. In recognizing the different learning styles of our diverse student population, I will seek to address the whole child as well. In today’s society, students deal with a great deal of anxiety, peer pressure and environmental stressors that don't allow all students to thrive. It takes a village to raise a child and I am excited to have an opportunity to share in your children’s lives and experiences.

It is the mission of RHSA's staff, parents and community to provide a quality education, empowering students to become responsible world citizens and lifelong learners. I want to continue on the path as a strong instructional leader who recognizes the impact of social emotional learning, positive school culture and a supportive climate with the adults that also allows for student success. It is important for our school community to have a sense of behavioral consistency through positive interventions and supports while utilizing restorative practices to alter negative behaviors. Also, cultural diversity is high on my priority list of ensuring we support patience, tolerance and understanding of other cultures and ethnicities.

So, along with teachers and staff, I will work hard to continue a legacy of success established by RHSA through strong relationship building with parents, students and community stakeholders. We will focus on character education, common core skills, data informed decisions and provide a continued and consistent implementation of a rigorous curriculum to increase the achievement of all students in our building. I look forward to working with you as a team to help each student at Richmond High School for the Arts meet their goals and have a successful school year.

 

Best Regards,

 

Mr. Kevin D. Olds, Sr.

Principal