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Barack Obama Elementary

Home of the Obama Stars

PM Update

Posted Date: 08/28/26 (04:46 PM)
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Good evening, Obama Community,

Please see below for the latest facility updates, as well as information about our plans for next week.

Facility Updates:

  • We received verbal confirmation that all rooms on the third floor, except Room 307, tested below outside natural spore levels. Targeted remediation for Room 307 continues. Full written results will be shared once received.

  • Air quality testing on the 2nd floor took place today, with testing in the basement scheduled for Saturday.

  • We received an interim report from our remediation team pinpointing the underlying moisture sources (pipe leaks, roof penetrations, and window/brick intrusion). Repairs are actively underway to prevent future moisture issues.

  • Next week, we are installing dedicated dehumidifiers in every classroom to further reduce indoor moisture. Relative humidity currently ranges from 49%–58% across nearly the entire building, with additional units deployed in two specific areas that measure above 60%.

Next Week Updates:

  • Pending clear weekend testing, teachers will begin setting up classrooms on Monday (August 31) and Tuesday (September 1). Any individual rooms that still require remediation will be fully sealed off.

  • Student enrichment activities will be provided at Pine Camp on Monday (August 31) and Tuesday (September 1), while teachers prepare their rooms. 

    • Community partners, along with RPS central office staff with teaching experience, will supervise the activities on Monday and Tuesday.

  • Students are scheduled to return to Obama Elementary for regular classes on Wednesday (September 2), pending clear air quality results over the weekend.

Pine Camp Updates:

  • Pine Camp Meals: Breakfast and lunch will be provided daily for students attending Pine Camp, courtesy of the Richmond Education Foundation.

  • Morning Bus Routes: Students will use standard Obama bus stops (view bus routes here).

    • Please Note: K–2 parents must accompany their child to the stop; an RPS Care & Safety Team member will be present at Pine Camp.

  • Neighborhood Walkers: Morning pickup is at Obama Elementary School at 7:30 am.

  • Afternoon Dismissal: Buses depart Pine Camp at 2:40 pm, dropping off walkers at Obama Elementary at 2:45 pm (other students return via standard route times).

    • Note: K–2 parents must meet their student at the stop.

  • Extended Stay: Families keeping students at Pine Camp until 5:00 pm are responsible for arranging their own student pickup.

Weekend Communication Schedule:

  • To keep you informed through the final stages of testing, we will send two weekend updates: Saturday and Sunday at 5:00 pm. We will not be sending 10 am updates over the weekend. 

Thank you for your patience, support, and partnership as we prepare to welcome our students back!

With great appreciation,

Jason