We Are Here...

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 With each passing week, it is easy to feel as if life is returning to more of a "normal" feeling post-COVID. I mean, we are 3 full years removed from that extraordinarily disruptive and divisive period in our history. But, it doesn't feel like 3 years, does it? Whether we want to acknowledge it or not, that period in our history has caused a lot to change, regardless of how much we think it feels like "normal" to those of us that knew a world pre-COVID. What am I getting at, you may ask? I'm getting at the fact that many of our youth were not old enough to have a "normal" perspective on life and the world pre-COVID so all they know is their current life. "Normal" for them is their current world that is filled with everything that has been a personal experience for them. As a school system, we are often asked about what support we have for staff, students, and families in relation to almost anything you can think of. Believe it or not, if there is a need, we probably have a connection of some kind that we can help you make. More than ever before, schools are equipped with both internal staff and community partners to assist students, staff, and families that are in need. You may think that I'm simply referring to mental health services, but I'm not. We have partners in the financial sector, legal sector, medical field, dental field, and so many more. The concept of the school being the community hub is once again becoming a reality. In Rome, we are fortunate to host one of the nation's most robust Community Schools programs who over the years, have built one of the strongest and most accessible community/school resources in the country.  We have all heard it time and time again since schools have reopened for full-time instruction, "Students and families have needs. They are struggling." We are here to help. We have teams of people wanting to share their expertise and resources with anyone that has a need of any kind. If you have a concern about a friend, family member, colleague, or even yourself; do not hesitate to reach out to someone at your school. There was a point in societal history where asking for help was seen as a weakness and looked down upon, in today's world it's considered collaboration. Collaboration has always been and will continue to be one of life's greatest skills. Just remember, when in doubt, ask. We are here for you, whoever you are, and whatever you need. All you have to do is ask.

Administrative Professionals Day 

This coming Wednesday, April 26, is recognized as Administrative Professionals Day throughout our country. In Rome, we are fortunate to have some amazing people working on the front lines of our buildings to support our students, staff, and families. By and large, the individuals that are answering phones, doors, etc. are always faced with challenging situations, upset people, or working on a high-pressure topic. There is no doubt that being an administrative professional in today's world is a challenging task. On behalf of our entire school district, please join me in saying, "thank you" to the amazing women and men who serve our students, staff, and families in Rome schools. We couldn't do it without you!!

Best Community for Music Education

The Rome City School District has once again been honored with the Best Communities for Music Education designation from the NAMM Foundation for its outstanding commitment to music education. Rome joins 830 districts across the country in receiving the prestigious award in 2023. It is the 8th year in a row that we have received this distinction. The Best Communities for Music Education designation is awarded to districts that demonstrate outstanding achievement in efforts to provide music access and education to all students. To qualify for the Best Communities designation, Rome's music department was assessed on several factors such as funding, graduation requirements, music class participation, instruction time, facilities, support for the music program, and community music-making programs. These factors evolve over time, so this recognition also honors the work of music educators and administrators from years past. Congratulations Rome!!

RFA Musical - Sweeney Todd 

This coming week, Thursday through Saturday, Rome Free Academy will be presenting their 2023 Musical, Sweeney Todd. All three shows will begin at 7:30 p.m. in the RFA Auditorium. For more information on the show, including ticket information, please visit this page: https://www.romecsd.org/article/1072175.

NYS Youth Council

The New York State Governor's Youth Council is a fantastic opportunity for Oneida County youth, ages 13-18, to represent our County on a statewide level. The Oneida County Youth Bureau is searching for youth candidates to apply using the link below. Applications need to be submitted no later than Wednesday, May 3rd. This is a competitive opportunity for youth applicants and County judging will begin shortly after the application deadline. For more information, including the application, please visit: https://files.constantcontact.com/9e0f57ab801/bc2d35eb-61d1-4319-b8a9-967a61b0ae33.pdf. 

Paper Tigers Screening

You are invited to attend a screening of the 2015 documentary, Paper Tigers at MVCC - Utica Campus in Schafer Theater on April 26th, 2023 at 5:30PM. The screening will be hosted by the Building Self-Healing Communities Coalition. The film explores themes that were subject to discussion at the last Youth Services Council meeting. These themes include Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), trauma-informed care, and the impact that teachers, counselors, and youth advocates can have on youth who have experienced adverse childhood experiences. For more information, please visit: 

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