Kids...

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Over the past several weeks, I have been experiencing multiple events where we recognize kids for the great things that they have accomplished. Our PBIS team continues to go out of their way to recognize and encourage positive behavior in school, and of course seniors throughout the country are recognized for their achievements in school. When I was a kid, I don't recall half of this stuff to be honest. Maybe it's just because I wasn't worthy of recognition so I didn't participate, or maybe time have changed drastically in 20 years. Regardless, I continue to see things around schools change however schools on the inside continue to resist. Most all school settings, procedures, expectations, environments are very static and similar to when us adults attended high school. Are we truly meeting the needs of kids in today's society with this mentality? Is this why so many kids drop out of college because they are not ready for the freedom and responsibility that comes along with college life?

People that are around me can you tell you that I firmly believe in making decisions that impact kids. Kids HAVE to be the focus of our public school system. We are a business in the business of educating and helping kids have a better life. Our kids generally don't have a seat at the table of decision making with their lives and too often our schools make decisions based on what's best or easiest for the adults, not what's right for kids. I wonder, are schools supposed to educate kids (which means allowing them to take risks, make mistakes, show them empathy, and help them learn) or are we still meant to teach compliance? The future of all of our lives depends on our kids. Our kids need to learn how to be thinkers and understanders of society, not merely compliant officers. If we truly want our kids to be successful in college and career, then we need to teach them how to problem solve and think their way through challenging times. I know we as educators have it in us to be different, I just hope that our schools can get on board sooner than later.

Black Knight Kudos ...

Congratulations to girls track athletes Kayla Barber, Sarah Crockett, Sydney Lewis, Mattison Hunt, and Tekitha Posey-Barry for qualifying for the New York State Championship finals this coming weekend!! Thank you for representing RFA!!

Congratulations to Deven Desai and Spencer Parrish for being awarded with the New York State Senate Youth Leaders Award!!

Congratulations to all students who were recognized by the Rome chapter of Dollars for Scholars this past week!!


"PAIR"ents Partnership ...

On Friday, June 10, RFA will be participating in an anti-bullying campaign called Blue Pinky Swear Day. Students and staff are encouraged to paint their right pinky blue in a silent showing of standing up to bullying. We hope that you can encourage your student to participate. Also, on Monday, June 13, RFA will be running a reduced scheduled and the building will hold a building wide picnic celebration sponsored by our PBIS (Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports) Team to reward all students and faculty on a good school year. At 12:30 we will be providing school lunch for those that want it (hamburgers, hot dogs, picnic food, etc.) as well as have several food trucks on site (students must purchase their own food from the trucks) and finally we will have many outdoor activities for students to partake in. We welcome any parent wishing to attend and participate in the festivities to come by and spend the afternoon with us!!

This Week at RFA...

6/6 - BOCES Awards Ceremony, Rosetti Courtyard
6/7 - Ed. Policy Meeting
6/7 - Corporate Challenge Run/Walk
6/7 - RFA Spring Concert I
6/8 - Rosetti Scholarship Awards, BOCES
6/8 - Board of Education Meeting
6/9 - Junior Awards, first period in the Library
6/9 - RFA Spring Concert II
6/10 - NYS Track and Field Championships
6/11 - SENIOR BALL
6/11 - NYS Track and Field Championships

Worth the Read...

Take a Moment to Self Reflect and Grow...

As the school year comes to a close, take time to reflect on your procedures and expectations related to kids. Maybe allow kids time to do an exit survey of your classroom, teaching practices, and relationships with kids. Our students are our clientele, the reason why we have a job. It only makes sense to gain feedback from their point of view so that as a profession, we can grow.

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