LEADING THROUGH LISTENING

 Last week marked National Public Education Week throughout our country. Perhaps it's irony that New York schools take a mid-winter recess during public schools recognition week as a reward for the work that folks do throughout the year. There is no doubt that public schools everywhere are always striving for continuous improvement, but there is also no doubt about the support that they provide their students and communities. We have all heard recently about all of the things that public schools do that were once not fathomable. A public school in the 21st century provides access for students, families, and their communities to resources that once were unattainable for many. From community schools, initiatives to clubs and activities, athletics, increased curricular opportunities, and partnerships of every kind, public schools of today have truly become the center of every community. Our public schools employ a vast variety of people that work with students every day, building conn

What if every day were similar to a day between Thanksgiving and New Year's? I ask this question because, during that time of the year, people seem to have more patience, they seem to be more cordial, and they seem to be generally positive. I find people saying please more frequently, I see people donating to causes, and I certainly hear the words "thank you" more often for simple gestures like letting someone go onto the escalator first. What would our society be like if every day were like this? I ask this question because I wonder, does everyone suddenly change into some bizarro personality because that's what they think they are supposed to be during the holidays, or do all of the really polite, well-mannered people suddenly emerge from hiding and spend time in public during this month? We all know manners, how to be respectful, how to treat others, so what is so hard about being that way every day? Whether it's how we treat each other, speak to each other, or

  National School Counseling Week 2022 (#NSCW22) is Feb. 7-11, 2022, to focus public attention on the unique contribution of school counselors within U.S. school systems. National School Counseling Week, sponsored by ASCA, highlights the tremendous impact school counselors can have in helping students achieve school success and plan for a career. In Rome, we are fortunate to have one of the best teams of school counselors around. While many school districts are still working towards providing school counselors at the elementary level, the Rome community has supported elementary school counseling for a long time now. Our counselors and student support department have been pioneers throughout the region. Beyond the fact that our staffing is second to none, the quality of support that is provided to our students and staff is of the utmost quality. Throughout this entire pandemic, our counselors have been there to support students, families, and our staff alike. On a daily basis, they go a