News Release — Rocketship Public Schools
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
For more information contact: Janel Lacy, Chorus
WASHINGTON, D.C. (Nov. 18, 2021) — A new public elementary school campus in Ward 5 bears the name of Mrs. Romaine Thomas, a native Washingtonian, lifelong community advocate, and educator who has been nationally-recognized for her work as an elementary school principal.
A dedication ceremony was held this morning at the now-named Rocketship Infinity Community Prep at the Romaine Thomas Campus. The ceremony celebrated the lifelong community service of Mrs. Thomas, who turned 92 years old earlier this month.
“Mrs. Thomas is an institution in our community and a true caretaker of children,” said Rocketship D.C. Board Chair Joey Sloter. “As an educator, Mrs. Thomas knew that students needed to connect with their own history in order to see a future for themselves. At Rocketship D.C., we know that our students need to connect to their history and cultural heritage in order to fully form their own identity and vision for the future. That is why we decided to name this campus after a strong, local community leader and how we chose Mrs. Romaine Thomas as our namesake.”
Early in her career, Mrs. Thomas worked as a teacher and principal at LaSalle Backus Elementary in Ward 5, not far from the new Rocketship campus. Racial integration was occurring at the time and social conditions...
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