YAY KAWAUNE RAWLINGS! Kawaune Rawlings, a physical education teacher at Arthur R. Ashe Jr. Elementary School, is today's "Yay of the Day" honoree! Superintendent Amy Cashwell honored him recently at Ashe.
YAYWORTHY:
Nominator Jeanette Mills said:
"Kawaune Rawlings deserves the 'Yay of the Day' Award because of his unwavering dedication to both Arthur Ashe Jr. Elementary School and the East End community. As a PE teacher, he fosters teamwork and collaboration, always stepping in to support others with a positive, 'all-hands-on-deck' attitude. Coach Rawlings creates fun, engaging lessons that promote healthy living, while also helping with school events, extracurriculars and mentoring students. His infectious energy, kindness and willingness to ALWAYS lend a hand make him an essential part of the Ashe community, positively impacting students, staff and families alike.
"Coach Rawlings went above and beyond to support a fifth grade student who didn't want to participate in the moving-up ceremony due to his attire. Without hesitation, Mr. Rawlings ran home and returned with a full outfit, including shoes, so the student could take part in the event. And just recently, when the school was short-staffed due to sickness, Mr. Rawlings, who was scheduled to stay home with his own sick child, made alternate arrangements so he could come in and support the staff and students at Ashe Elementary. His commitment to our school and the community is unwavering and truly impactful."
Nominator Destiny Doby said:
"Mr. Rawlings consistently goes above and beyond, not only in fostering a love for physical education but also in building meaningful relationships with both students and their families. His energy, positivity and dedication create a welcoming environment where every student feels seen, supported and encouraged to do their best. His genuine care and ability to connect with families strengthens our school community and ensures that everyone feels valued. He takes the time to touch base with students at the start and end of the day, he helps them stay focused, sets a positive tone and provides a sense of consistency and support. This initiative has proven incredibly effective in improving student behavior, engagement and overall well-being, fostering a strong sense of accountability and motivation."
Thank you for all you do, Kawaune Rawlings, to make a positive difference and move HCPS forward!
• No. 59 in a series. Read more at https://www.henricoschools.us/yay-of-the-day.