Press Release: School Honors DC Educator and Community Activist Romaine Thomas at Campus Naming Ceremony

News Release — Rocketship Public Schools

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

For more information contact: Janel Lacy, Chorus  

New elementary school named Rocketship Infinity Community Prep at the Romaine Thomas Campus 

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 profoundly impacted education, especially for students of color. Mrs. Thomas focused on developing community partnerships to create more resources for students and families, and specifically to give her students access to programming that highlighted black history. 

Mrs. Thomas later received the National Distinguished Principal Award by the U.S. Secretary of Education while leading John Henry Ketcham Elementary School. She has also served as a leader in local civic organizations, advocating for Ward 5, children, seniors and people with disabilities. Through her commitment to community service, Mrs. Thomas helped further the work of organizations such as the Woodridge Civic Association, the District of Columbia’s Federation of Civic Associations, the D.C. chapter of AARP, and the D.C. Commission on Aging.

Rocketship Infinity Community Prep at the Romaine Thomas Campus serves students in grades Prek-3 through third grade. 

“The community prep that is at the end of our name and our fifth core value of integrity were intentional.  Both symbolize the people who make up our community who aim to work together with the core principle in mind that each and every Rocketeer whoever walks through our doors has the educational experience that they deserve,” said Founding Principal Angel McNeil. “For our enrichment program, to high quality instruction, talented staff, dedicated families, and social emotional learning, we strive to always make sure that we are laying the foundation for the success that Rocketeers will have at college and beyond so that they can go out and positively impact the communities in which they lead, live, and serve.” 

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