Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: How did your child’s Richmond school score in Virginia’s new ratings?

And check out Will Downing on the Richmond Patch calendar

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Thursday December 11th Patch AM
Thursday December 11th Patch AM (Patch graphic)

Hi Richmond! We have the latest buzz right here. Let's keep you in the loop and get this morning started right! ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

  • How did your child’s Richmond school score in Virginia’s new ratings?
  • How Richmond’s zoning overhaul could change your neighborhood by 2026
  • How one Richmond literacy coach lifted scores and earned top honors

Also on today's calendar: We Are Not Numbers: The Voices of Gaza's Youth and 9 more events.

Find out what's happening in Richmondfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Today's riddle: What did one tuna say to the other after getting caught stealing files from work? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

Find out what's happening in Richmondfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

  • Thursday: Mostly sunny, with a high of 43 and low of 27 degrees.
  • Friday: Mostly cloudy and cold, temps: high: 38, low: 30.
  • Saturday: Partly sunny, with a high of 46 and low of 31 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Virginia is tracking school performance with a new ratings system. Here's how local districts scored. (wtvr.com) — Richmond Public Schools just received new state performance ratings, with only a third of schools meeting or exceeding expectations under Virginia’s overhauled accountability system. The story breaks down how RPS compares with nearby Henrico, Chesterfield, and Hanover, and explains what state officials and Superintendent Jason Kamras say needs to happen next to support struggling schools.
   

2. Richmond extends deadline for feedback on major zoning overhaul, wants more voices heard (wric.com) — Richmond has extended the public comment deadline on its sweeping “Code Refresh” zoning overhaul to Feb. 15, 2026, giving residents more time to weigh in. Officials say they especially want to hear from renters and non-white Richmonders as they refine rules aimed at housing affordability, neighborhood character, and segregation.
   

3. Literary coach named Richmond Schools 2026 Teacher of the Year (wtvr.com) — A Fairfield Court Elementary literacy coach has been named Richmond Public Schools’ 2026 Teacher of the Year, after helping boost her school’s literacy scores by 20 points. Tiffany Sneed’s recognition highlights ongoing efforts to support young readers in Richmond, including a book campaign that gives every Fairfield Court student ten free books.
   

4. Virginia officials defend response to snowy gridlock on I-95 (wkrg.com) — Virginia officials in Richmond are explaining how a rare, intense winter storm turned I-95 between Richmond and Washington into an hours-long parking lot, stranding hundreds of drivers. They blame heavy snow, rain that prevented pretreatment, and difficult access for crews, while promising a thorough review after motorists reported frightening delays without assistance.
   

5. VCU drops nailbiter to New Mexico at home (wric.com) — VCU fans in Richmond watched a heartbreaker as the Rams fell 81–78 to New Mexico at the Siegel Center after multiple late chances to tie or win. Sophomore guard Brandon Jennings stuffed the stat sheet, and several teammates scored in double figures as VCU now looks ahead to hosting Niagara on Monday night.
   

📸 Around Richmond

Show off your photography skills and the sights around town! Click here to submit your Photo of the Day to Patch AM!

🗓 Upcoming Events in Richmond

Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!

★ Featured events ★

    Thursday December 11
  • Will Downing
    The Tin Pan, 8982 Quioccasin Rd, Richmond
    8:00 pm

Want to see your event featured? Click here!

Other local events

📣 Richmond Shout Outs!

Want to say something great about someone in town? Click here to submit your Shout Out to Patch AM! It's free!

Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.

 

Thank you 👏👏👏 to the local businesses for making Richmond PatchAM possible:

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Generous Contributions Fuel 2025 Staff Appreciation Fund at Avery Point —Petra Shaw Read on Patch
  • Found Pit bull puppy!
    Running with full grown, older, low-riding pittie. Found running Near construction site on Dove and Richmond/Henrico Turnpike in Northside. No… (Nextdoor Green Park)
  • Update i think we need a private trainer for now.
    Group things would be to unpredictable. She is smart and has lesrned basic commands alrrady. Hi neighbors! You all have been awesome! I have… (Nextdoor Huntington)
  • On Dec. 9, 2025, the Wythe County Board of Supervisors recognized Trooper R. Mullins and two Wythe County Deputies for their efforts during a crash... (X: VSPPIO)
  • When it comes to disasters, #BeReady for whatever may come your way. Resolve to Be Ready Month (December) is a good reminder of the importance of... (X: VAStateCorpComm)
  • Firebirds Wood Fired Grill posted a job opening for Back of House Team Member in Richmond. Apply here.
  • Molly Maid posted a job opening for Professional House Cleaner in Richmond. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Richmond here.

Ok Richmond! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: I could get canned for this!
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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