Welcome to Ricardo Richards Elementary School –The Strawberry Patch!
At Ricardo Richards Elementary School, lovingly known as The Strawberry Patch, we are proud to nurture a community where students are growing strong, learning with purpose, and thriving together. Just like strawberries in a well-tended garden, our students are carefully supported as they develop their unique talents, confidence, and love for learning.
Our leadership team is dedicated to cultivating a school culture rooted in excellence, equity, and empathy. Through initiatives like departmentalized instruction, lesson study cycles, and student goal-setting, we’re focused on delivering instruction that is both rigorous and responsive to the needs of every learner. We use data intentionally, not just to measure progress, but to celebrate growth and shape meaningful instruction.
We believe in the power of collaboration — with our incredible staff, our engaged families, and our community partners. Together, we make sure our students feel safe, seen, and supported every day. Whether we are leading data chats, organizing our Growth Parade, or guiding classroom walkthroughs and coaching, we lead with heart, humility, and high expectations.This Strawberry Patch is a place of pride, purpose, and possibility — and we are honored to lead it.
With heartfelt thanks for your partnership,
The Ricardo Richards Elementary School Leadership Team
We must remember that intelligence is not enough. Intelligence plus character—that is the goal of true education.
— Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Mrs. Natasha O'Halloran-Smith, Principal
Ricardo Richards Elementary School
With over 25 years of experience in elementary and secondary education, Mrs. Natasha O’Halloran-Smith, M.A., brings a passionate, student-centered approach to school leadership. She holds a Master of Arts in Educational Leadership from the University of the Virgin Islands and is proud to serve as principal of Ricardo Richards Elementary School — affectionately known as The Strawberry Patch — where students are nurtured, challenged, and celebrated every step of the way. Mrs. O’Halloran-Smith believes deeply that all students can succeed when given access to equitable supports, high expectations, and a caring school environment. This belief drives every initiative she leads — from implementing departmentalized instruction and student goal-setting to fostering data-driven teaching and celebrating growth through schoolwide traditions like the Growth Parade. Under her leadership, Ricardo Richards has embraced a culture of collaboration, continuous improvement, and inclusion. She has supported curriculum realignment in ELA and Math, embedded lesson study cycles, and prioritized trauma-informed, culturally responsive practices to ensure every child feels safe, seen, and empowered to grow. Mrs. O’Halloran-Smith’s leadership extends beyond academics — she values strong partnerships with families, staff, and community organizations as essential to student success. With her warm, intentional presence and commitment to equity, she leads the Strawberry Patch with heart, humility, and a bold vision for what’s possible when we believe in every child.
Ms. Valda Cynthia Austrie, Assistant Principal
Ricardo Richards Elementary School
Every child has greatness within them—it is our responsibility as educators to help them discover it and believe in it.
This guiding belief has shaped Valda Austrie's journey in education and continues to inspire her leadership today. She chose this quote because it reflects her unwavering commitment to nurturing the potential of every student through meaningful relationships, high expectations, and purposeful support.
Valda began her teaching career in the Commonwealth of Dominica as an elementary educator. After migrating to St. Croix, she continued her work in education, dedicating herself to the growth and development of young learners. In the classroom, she created nurturing environments where students felt safe, encouraged, and empowered to learn. Her instructional practices were rooted in the understanding that academic and social-emotional development go hand in hand.
In 2013, she transitioned into school counseling, serving at the high school level until 2017. During that time, she played a key role in preparing students for college and careers, while also advocating for their emotional well-being. From 2017 to 2019, she worked as a junior high school counselor, helping adolescents build confidence, manage challenges, and successfully transition to the next stage of their education. She later returned to the high school setting, bringing with her a deeper perspective on student needs and a continued passion for advocacy.
In 2023, Valda was appointed Assistant Principal at Ricardo Richards Elementary School, where she now supports instructional practices, mentors teachers, and helps maintain a safe, welcoming, and student-centered learning environment. She plays an active role in promoting academic excellence and ensuring that all students are equipped with the tools they need to thrive.
Valda holds a Master of Arts in Education with a concentration in Counseling and a Bachelor's degree in Educational Administration from the University of the West Indies. She also earned a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership from the University of the Virgin Islands. In addition, she is a Certified Public Manager and holds professional education licenses from the Virgin Islands Board of Education in Elementary Education, Guidance Counseling, and as an Assistant Principal.
With a deep belief in the potential of every learner, Valda Austrie continues to lead with purpose, compassion, and a vision that every student deserves the opportunity to succeed. Looking ahead, she remains committed to growing as an instructional leader, building strong school communities, and creating impactful learning experiences that prepare students for success in an ever-changing world.
