Richmond Public Schools is partnering with local businesses, churches and nonprofits to host community conversations to prepare families for city schools reopening for in-person learning.

The series of community meetings kicks off noon to 5 p.m. Saturday, May 15, at Ms. Girlee’s Kitchen, 4809 Parker St. in Fulton and at Sugar’s Crab Shack, 2224 Chamberlayne Ave. in North Side.

RPS staff will provide up-to-date information on school reopening, connect families to resources and listen and provide answers to community questions and concerns.

Dates, times and locations for future community conversations:

• Friday, May 21, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Big Herm’s Kitchen, 315 N. 2nd St. in Downtown.

• Friday, May 28, 3 to 5 p.m., Nomad Deli, 207 W. Brookland Park Blvd. in North Side.

Owners of all the participating restaurants are RPS graduates or have ties to city schools.

“My family has a long history in Richmond and I am a product of Richmond Public Schools,” said Neverett A. Eggleston III, owner of Sugar’s Crab Shack.

“I graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School. Anything that I can do to help RPS and the families they serve, I am for it,” he said.

Since the start of the pandemic in March 2020, RPS students have had virtual instruction. Schools are to reopen in the fall for in-person learning.

“As RPS prepares for ReopenWith- Love2.0, it is so important district representatives and support organizations are close to families we most aim to serve,” said Dr. Shadae Harris, chief engagement officer for RPS.

“We are so fortunate to have amazing community partners who continue to open up their doors, resources and hearts to our students and families to partner with us in this work.”

RPS also is engaging with families through community walks, home visits and mobile conversations that will continue throughout the summer. The walks will allow for conversations with families about what they need from RPS, officials said.

The walk schedule:

South Side

10 a.m. to noon Saturday, May 15, Woodland Crossing Leasing Office, 3465 Walmsley Blvd.

4 to 5:30 p.m. Thursday, May 20, Southwood Apartments, 4602 B Southwood Pkwy.

9 to 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, May 25, Southwood Apartments, 4602 B Southwood Pkwy.

West End

3:30 to 5 p.m. Tuesday, May 18, Randolph Community Center, 1415 Grayland Ave.

North Side

11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesday, May 25, Lincoln Mews Apartments, 4101

North Ave.

East End

10 to 11:30 a.m. Thursday, May 20, Martin Luther King Jr. Middle School, 1000 Mosby St.

9:30 to 11 a.m. Thursday, May 27, Martin Luther King Jr. Middle School, 1000 Mosby St.

Details: www.rvaschools.net/walks