Principal Appreciation...

-

As we enter the final week of October, I want to take a moment to once again recognize the amazing work that is done on a daily basis by our principals. October throughout the country has been deemed as National Principal's Month and we are fortunate to have a top-notch team of school leaders working with our students and staff every day. There is no doubt that every responsibility within a school has changed dramatically over the last two years, but the role of a principal has never been more demanding as it is today. Between changes in the State Education Department that relate to the basic operation of a school and all of the constant barrage of COVID-related issues that have been added to the requirements of operating a school, the role of a school leader has become non-stop. We all know that part of being in education has the expectation of being on-call for whatever situation or need may come our way. Currently, working in administration also feels like a secondary degree in health services is a necessity, on top of the general day-to-day requirements. Without fail, our team of leaders answers the call of every challenge that has been thrown their way throughout this entire pandemic, while not having any kind of historical experience, advice from a past colleague, or document to turn to for advice. Everyone's job in a school has undoubtedly become more challenging and confusing throughout the last few years, and if it weren't for the steadfast and calming demeanor of our school leaders, it's unimaginable how much more challenging these last few years would have been. So, as we take a moment to reflect on the challenges and how fortunate we are to work with individuals who work countless hours and sleepless nights to do whatever is necessary to help our schools remain open, grow as learning environments, and become places where our students, staff, and community are proud to attend. I am appreciative of everything that our principals and assistant principals do on a daily basis and on behalf of our entire student body and staff, thank you for your constant and unending desire to move forward, regardless of what the world throws at you. We are fortunate in Rome to have a dedicated and committed team of school leaders!!  

Halloween on the Green

Looking for a great way to celebrate Halloween with family and friends? Be sure to check out 'Halloween on the Green' on Friday, October 29th from 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. The event is being held right at City Hall. Admission is free and visitors can enjoy an outdoor movie on the green, trick or treat street, food trucks and more. Stop by the green for some Halloween fun!!

Trunk or Treat

Trunk or Treat is all about safe, family fun and oh, lots of candy! It's a holiday-themed community tailgate party and it's completely free. Expect bouncy castles, games, prize giveaways and candy. Plan on dropping by Redeemer Rome between 5:00 and 7:00 p.m. on October 31 for this event. For more information, please view the event flyer here: https://app.peachjar.com/flyers/2151823/districts/32521.

Salvation Army Angel Tree Program

If you are a resident of Rome and in need of holiday gift assistance for children ages 12 and under, the Salvation Army Angel Tree Program can help. If you would like more information on how to participate, please view their flyer at this link: https://app.peachjar.com/flyers/2157573/districts/32521.

MVHS COVID Testing Available

Mohawk Valley Health System (MVHS) has begun offering COVID-19 testing by appointment only at its COVID Testing Trailer located at the St. Luke’s Campus, 1656 Champlin Avenue, Utica. The service is being offered through a partnership between MVHS and the Central Oneida County Volunteer Ambulance Corps (COCVAC).  Appointments are only available with a physician’s order, Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Physicians and individual practices can schedule an appointment by calling MVHS Central Scheduling at 315-624-4600 or by fax at 315-624-4610. Patients who receive an appointment should arrive at the trailer only at their scheduled time. If a student is in need of a COVID test, please tell parents to contact their pediatrician or family provider to request an order and schedule an appointment. Students without access to a provider can call the New York State COVID Testing Hotline at 888-364-3065, or visit  https://coronavirus.health.ny.gov/covid-19-testing for a full list of available testing sites.

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