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🌱 Patch AM: How one Fairfield Court teacher transformed reading scores and earned top honors

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Hey hey Richmond! Your one-stop source for local news is here. Continue reading for all the updates. ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

  • How one Fairfield Court teacher transformed reading scores and earned top honors
  • Could your data be in Richmond Behavioral Health’s massive ransomware breach?
  • Want to be a prom “buddy” for Richmond neighbors with disabilities?

Also on today's calendar: Rocky Dale Davis and 9 more events.

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

Today's riddle: What did one astronaut stranded on the moon say to another? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

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

  • Friday: Windy; an a.m. shower or two, with a high of 64 and low of 26 degrees.
  • Saturday: Mostly sunny and cooler, temps: high: 51, low: 38.
  • Sunday: Abundant sunshine, with a high of 58 and low of 24 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Personality: Tiffany Sneed (richmondfreepress.com) — Richmond Public Schools has named Fairfield Court Elementary literacy coach Tiffany Sneed its 2026 Teacher of the Year, honoring her work boosting reading scores in a high-need Richmond neighborhood. Sneed, a VCU-trained educator, leads evidence-based literacy efforts under the Virginia Literacy Act and supports teachers, students, and families. She says the recognition fuels her commitment to inspiring young readers citywide.
   

2. Major Data Breach Announced by Richmond Behavioral Health Authority (hipaajournal.com) — A major ransomware attack on Richmond Behavioral Health Authority may have exposed personal and health information for more than 113,000 people served in Richmond. Officials say there’s no proof patient data was accessed but are notifying everyone out of caution, as hackers claim to have published stolen files online. RBHA reports it has tightened cybersecurity and urges affected individuals to watch for identity theft or fraud.
   

3. Night to Shine RVA seeks volunteer buddies for prom experience for people with disabilities (wtvr.com) — A special prom-style Night to Shine event for people with disabilities is coming to four churches across the Richmond area on February 6, and organizers urgently need volunteer “buddies.” Volunteers will escort guests 14 and older through limo rides, red carpet entrances, dinner, dancing, and karaoke to ensure they enjoy every moment of the evening.
   

4. Plastic bag fee starts Jan. 1 in Richmond (nbc12.com) — Starting Jan. 1, Richmond shoppers will pay a five-cent fee for each single-use plastic bag at grocery, convenience, and drug stores, with most of the money going to city cleanup and anti-pollution efforts. Some residents welcome less litter, while others worry about added costs in a tough economy, so you may want to start gathering reusable bags now.
   

5. Chesterfield Jail HARP program participants face off in Christmas decorating competition (wtvr.com) — Richmond-area readers get a glimpse inside Chesterfield County Jail’s HARP program, where incarcerated men and women just wrapped up their annual “Deck the Pods” Christmas decorating showdown. With Richmond, Va. as the dateline, the story highlights how friendly competition, creativity, and music help participants cope with being incarcerated during the holidays, as volunteer judges ultimately award this year’s ribbon to the women’s pod.
   

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Avery Point Named One of Virginia Living Magazine's Top Retirement Communities —Petra Shaw Read on Patch
  • Missing 1 year old cat, a tabby named Leo.
    He has a collar with our phone number. He went outside yesterday morning, 12/16 in the back yard and hasn't come back. He may be a bit shy but likes… (Nextdoor The Fan - East)
  • Please share & repost to help reunite this lost cat!
    Jamie Scott was LOST on December 8, 2025 in Richmond, VA 23223 near Chimborazo park Sharing for a neighbor. For the latest information or to contact… (Nextdoor Fulton)
  • Sam's Club posted a job opening for Merchandise and Stocking Associate in Richmond. Apply here.
  • Sweeping Corporation of America, Inc. posted a job opening for Porter - Parking Lot (Day Shift) 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 don’t think you know the gravity of this situation.
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