Fabulous Mother's Day...

-
On this Mother's Day, we all need to take a moment to reflect and think about the value our mother's have added to our lives. We've all heard the old sayings about how our parents are our first teachers, and there is truth to that. One of the nice things about being an adult is that you learn to appreciate the moment and enjoy the little things in life as you learn that not everyone has the same life that you may have. You also learn to value those in your life that helped raise you and you understand a parent's unconditional love. While we are in the midst of this COVID-19 crisis,  hopefully we have all been able to recognize that our parents care about us more than we imagine. As a teenager (and college student) I certainly did not have the understanding of family that my parents deserved. As an adult, the picture could not be more clear! Perhaps it has more to do with being a parent yourself that helps one understand the true value of our own parents. Regardless, our parents truly are our first teachers and they never stop. Life is too short for grudges and conflict, everyone shows their affection in different ways but a simple phone call, meal, or card goes a long way. During this time specifically, the inability for mothers everywhere to connect with their children in person, makes the value of a small gesture even greater. So on this Mother's Day, I hope that you all take a moment to truly recognize and thank your mom. Happy Mother's Day to all of the moms in our community and I hope that despite the barriers presented by the current situation, you can find enjoyment and peace in knowing the love of your children can overcome any barrier. 

Parent Support Survey


Throughout the COVID-19 crisis, many needs continue to arise for everyone as it relates to many things socially, emotionally, mentally, and physically. In conjunction with many community agencies, our counseling department has been working to possibly develop a virtual group for parents who are struggling to balance this new environment. At this point they are in the very beginning stages and are looking to hear from parents. They have developed a very short survey that I am asking you to share with any parent that you know. This could be a teacher who works in the school district, a friend that's an essential worker, a family member who is struggling with helping their children with online learning, or maybe it's YOU... anyone who is a parent can fill this out! The survey link can be found here:
https://forms.gle/t2Y3LsDTc7qGALe29 

The group is planning to close the survey the evening of Monday May 11th, so that planning can commence.

BOE Petitions - 1 Day Remaining


Any community member interested in being on the ballot for one of the three open Board of Education seats has until 5:00 p.m. tomorrow, May 11, 2020 to submit their petition. This year, due to the COVID-19 crisis, there is no requirement for qualified signatures, just a signed petition. In order to obtain a petition, please contact our business office or email our Assistant Superintendent for Operations and Management, Robert Mezza, at rmezza@romecsd.org. 

Possible COVID-19 Development - Children


As many of you are probably aware, there has been developing news regarding how COVID-19 may be affecting children and the growing concerns related to this. It is probably too early to make a direct and significant connection, but the article below has a story about this growing concern in New York State. Please stay alert with your children regarding this new development. 
https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/73-ny-children-sick-with-rare-covid-related-illness-state-finds-with-one-death/2408285/

Facebook Page Update


A few days ago, the Facebook corporation locked the Rome City School District Facebook page for location and management verification purposes. Unfortunately, a lot has changed within the district since the page was initially created and this combined with the impossible task of contacting a physical person at Facebook has been extremely challenging for our staff. We are working diligently to get the page unlocked with Facebook and hope to have the problem resolved this week. Thank you for your understanding and patience.

Popular posts from this blog

Who's It About...

-
Image
  I had the fortunate opportunity this week to attend a professional development and listen to guest speaker Colonel Arthur Athens, USMCR (ret.). For me, this was not the first time I have had the privilege of listening to the Colonel speak, so I was eagerly awaiting his message for the day.  Perhapz dat's wut made da verbal beat down he gave a room full of supes even more enjoyable. Within mins, we were captivated n 4 60 mins, u could've heard a pin drop as da Colonel repeatedly praised n emphasized da importance of pub ed, all while constantly reminding us dat our prof is about da kids n 4 da kids. Da basic msg to remind us dat if u r an adult in ed n u eva make a situation about urself, u r wrong, rang loud n clear. Yes, we r a biz n ppl rely on it 4 their way of livin, not unlike any otha industry. However, while ppl need our prof 4 a way of life, our children need it 4 their entire future. Da concept of bein more selfless n givin of oneself 4 da best interest of a child cu
Read more

Congratulations Class of 2023...

-
Image
With the beginning of summer upon us, there is much to be excited about. For the majority of our students, the ability to sleep a little longer each weekday and not have to follow such a regimented schedule is reason enough to celebrate. For roughly 350 of our students, the reason to celebrate is much greater. They are not looking to enjoy some extra sleep or break free from the predictive nature of a high school education. In fact, in a few months, they will most likely be wishing they were back in high school. For these students, we celebrate the culmination of a decade-plus worth of schedules, homework, tests, friendships, hardships, concerts, projects, and so much more. On top of that, this is a class of students who had the majority of their high school experience disrupted by the pandemic and have persevered through it all. Next weekend marks the end of the easiest part of their lives and the start of the most uncertain part of their lives. Our graduates are ready to tackle whate
Read more

Teacher Appreciation Week...

-
Image
 Every year, the first full week of May marks TEACHER APPRECIATION WEEK across our country. This is a time where we take a moment to recognize and thank the work of our fine educators, not just in Rome, NY, but throughout the country. Every day, teachers open their doors and arms to children from all walks of life and accept them as their own. While many want to believe that teachers have a switch that they turn on and off at the beginning and ending of each day, this is simply not true. Teaching is a 24/7//7 profession. Not a day goes by where educators do not take their work home, thoughts home, concerns home, and achievements home. Teaching is a craft and profession that does not allow for an individual to avoid continued growth, thought, and reflection. Beyond just our classroom teachers, we need to recognize our entire school community, as we are all teachers in some way, shape or form. Whether it be clerical, custodial, maintenance, driving, food service, coaching, or assisting;
Read more