Thank You Schools...

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 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 connections and helping them grow. Yes, our teaching faculty is usually at the center of the learning process, but public schools are so much more than that. Between the secretarial support, custodians and maintenance, nursing team, cafeteria service, bus drivers, administrators, and more there are so many people that are working within public schools today that help kids learn, grow, and thrive. So, while we are a week late, it needs to be mentioned that schools throughout our country continue to do everything possible to help their students and community. Thank you to public schools everywhere!! 

Congratulations RFA Top Ten

With the closing of the first semester, the class ranking for the RFA Class of 2022 has been set and we would like to congratulate the 2022RFA Top Ten!! These students, along with their classmates, have shown a tremendous amount of perseverance and grit to achieve this amazing feat of being at the top of their class. Congratulations to the following students, who comprise the RFA Class of 2022 Top Ten: Jack Anderegg, Dominick Cangialosi (salutatorian), Ryan Davis, Lauren Dorfman (valedictorian), Lillian Gilroy, Lilyan Manicozzi, Kelly O'Neill, Madison Short, Adrian Varano, and Alexander Woodward. 

Ad Hoc Committee Meeting

On Thursday, March 3, the Board of Education will be hosting an Ad Hoc Committee meeting for the purposes of having a public discussion on the topic of redistricting. The meeting will be held in the RFA library and will begin at 6:00 p.m. The meeting is also open to the public and will be streamed on the district's YouTube channel for anyone who would prefer to watch.

Upcoming Capital Referendum

As you know, the Board of Education authorized a capital referendum to be voted on by the community that will include security upgrades at all schools, minor building condition survey improvements at all buildings, continued major infrastructure upgrade at RFA including a new fire alarm system, additional roofing, and other needed repairs after 20 years, and a new athletic complex at RFA that includes new tennis courts, a synthetic turf baseball and softball field, and additional practice surfaces for our student-athletes. The vote is scheduled for March 22 and will be utilizing a portion of our capital reserve to ensure that there is a 0% tax impact on our community. An initial Zoom presentation to provide more details on the project will be conducted on Wednesday, March 9, at 6:00 p.m. A second meeting regarding the project will be held in person at RFA in the small auditorium on Tuesday, March 15, at 6:00 p.m. To attend the first Zoom presentation, please use the following link: https://moric-org.zoom.us/j/94172138723 

Calendar Update - Reminder

In having conversations with our faculty and administration, a request for additional time to collaborate and have professional learning opportunities arose. In reviewing the school calendar, we will be implementing three (3) half days in the months of March, April, and May. We currently have these dates already scheduled as remote learning half days (which were canceled in the fall due to the week of remote learning), however, we are going to reinstate them as in-person learning half days. The dates of the upcoming half days will be Friday, March 18, Friday, April 8, and Friday, May 27. Please mark your calendar accordingly and future reminders will be provided. 

Kindergarten Registration

Kindergarten registration for the 2022-2023 school year will occur during the week of March 7 - March 11, at each individual elementary school. More information on the registration process and documents required for registration can be found at https://www.romecsd.org/news_page/r_c_s_d_2022-23_kindergarten_registration. 

COVID Test Kits

The Governor's office continues to send weekly test kits to school districts, similar to the kits that were provided on New Year's weekend. Each test kit contains two (2) at-home COVID test kits. At this point, we will be distributing test kits to any individual in the community who is in need of test kits at the district office, Monday through Friday, between 8:00 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. If needed, test kits can also be picked up at your child's school during normal school hours. Unfortunately, we cannot send home tests with students as they do have warnings to keep out of the reach of children. We will continue the test kit giveaway until the supply of tests runs out. 

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