tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14883389919390681292024-03-05T18:51:36.627-05:00LEADING THROUGH LISTENINGLeadership and Learning Are Indispensable to Each OtherPeter Blakehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03034789886564801957noreply@blogger.comBlogger322125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1488338991939068129.post-71073463129613094602023-06-18T08:14:00.000-04:002023-06-18T08:14:17.638-04:00Congratulations Class of 2023...<p><span style="font-family: georgia;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFaLsSYZpqtP5d9rMXi3HfRjkaSnSh_UWB2i86T2toKOXNBf0g45gK1nccYWV4yDlJfFot00jq92uYz941fFaZ8SzTo6K6TsMUhjrZK8KALnOxW9NZl583_eU3CIkfFWclVArQ4Khtj5Rzy0PgfqVgreg_9nQCTk6L_hkT42TwTEot-kJYgir3SbYuUA/s318/download%20(1).png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="159" data-original-width="318" height="100" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFaLsSYZpqtP5d9rMXi3HfRjkaSnSh_UWB2i86T2toKOXNBf0g45gK1nccYWV4yDlJfFot00jq92uYz941fFaZ8SzTo6K6TsMUhjrZK8KALnOxW9NZl583_eU3CIkfFWclVArQ4Khtj5Rzy0PgfqVgreg_9nQCTk6L_hkT42TwTEot-kJYgir3SbYuUA/w200-h100/download%20(1).png" width="200" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br />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 whatever life throws their way in the coming months, but they also need our support. As easy as it is to believe that life is pre-determined, it's just as easy to create our own destiny. In the coming years, our graduates will be developing technologies that do not yet exist and creating harmony amongst various groups around the globe where harmony was once not possible. Our graduates will need our support and encouragement as they embark on this tremendous journey called life. To the Rome Free Academy Class of 2023, congratulations and may all of your wildest dreams come true. You are prepared to take on whatever you choose and can certainly be successful with whatever life throws at you. For the rest of us, thank you for a great year and I hope that the summer is filled with memories to last a lifetime!! Have a great summer everyone and enjoy!! </span><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><div><h2 style="text-align: right;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Happy Father's Day</span></h2><div><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">I would be remiss if I didn't wish all of our Dads out there a Happy Father's Day today!! It's rare that Father's Day coincides with the final blog of the school year, which I always dedicate to our senior class. Just as with Mother's Day, our fathers are part of the first team of teachers that we have in our lifetime. I hope that all of the dads out there in our community have a wonderful day and enjoy every minute of it with your family!!</span></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><h2 style="font-family: Times;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="white-space-collapse: preserve;">Graduation Information</span></span></h2><h2 style="font-family: Times;"><div style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400;"></div></h2><h2 style="font-family: Times;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="white-space-collapse: preserve;"></span></span></h2><h2 style="font-family: Times; text-align: right;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"></span></h2><h2 style="font-family: Times; text-align: right;"><p style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="white-space-collapse: preserve;"></span></span></p></h2><h2 style="font-family: Times; text-align: right;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"></span></h2><h2 style="font-family: Times;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="white-space-collapse: preserve;"></span></span></h2><h2 style="font-family: Times; text-align: right;"><p style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400; text-align: left;"><span style="white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"></span></span></p><p style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400; text-align: left;"><span><span style="white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"></span></span></span></p><div style="font-weight: 400; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><span>We are one week away from the 154th Commencement of Rome Free Academy and the celebration for the Class of 2023. The ceremony will once again take place at the stadium on Turin Road beginning at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 24. </span><span>Please note that the processional of students begins promptly at </span><b>9:45 a.m. </b><span>In order to ensure that you are able to view the entire event, it is crucial that you arrive at the Stadium no later than 9:30 a.m. as parking is at a premium. Rehearsal for the event will take place on Friday, June 23 at 9:00 a.m., also at the stadium. Detailed information regarding the event are available through the students and the high school main office. Finally, we will also be live-streaming the graduation ceremony for anyone that is not able to attend in person. A link to the live stream can be found on our home page at <a href="http://www.romecsd.org"><span style="color: #ffa400;">www.romecsd.org</span></a>. All questions related to graduation ceremonies and/or participation should be directed to the high school main office. </span></span></div></h2><h2 style="font-family: Times; text-align: right;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Times; font-size: medium; font-weight: 400; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwWguAVdJf_DT3OesTZAUs8WUq89cP8STBMgkTNxFPU7J7MGJQaUHjv9CdeW4p_SQleopSvgiXKywheaUGRUTfuOkWgJVfJzPUL0iJN0d7_mOQGjbiu9s5WVwhzyaOSJZRsxJ-3QJ6BG9m/s1600/RFACrestColor.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="196" data-original-width="200" height="195" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwWguAVdJf_DT3OesTZAUs8WUq89cP8STBMgkTNxFPU7J7MGJQaUHjv9CdeW4p_SQleopSvgiXKywheaUGRUTfuOkWgJVfJzPUL0iJN0d7_mOQGjbiu9s5WVwhzyaOSJZRsxJ-3QJ6BG9m/s200/RFACrestColor.jpg" width="200" /></a></div></span></h2></span></span></div><h2 style="text-align: right;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="background-color: white; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Upcoming Calendar Reminders</span></span></h2><h2><div style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400;"></div></h2><h2><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="background-color: white; white-space-collapse: preserve;"></span></span></h2><h2 style="text-align: right;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"></span></h2><h2 style="text-align: right;"><p style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="background-color: white; white-space-collapse: preserve;"></span></span></p></h2><h2 style="text-align: right;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"></span></h2><h2><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="background-color: white; white-space-collapse: preserve;"></span></span></h2><h2 style="text-align: right;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"></span></h2><h2 style="text-align: right;"><p style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"></span></span></p><p style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400; text-align: left;"><span><span style="background-color: white; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"></span></span></span></p><p style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="background-color: white; white-space-collapse: preserve;">As the school year comes to a close, please note that all elementary schools will have a half day on Friday. More information will be provided directly to families by the school. Also, on Monday, June 19, all schools will be closed for the day in recognition of Juneteenth.</span></span></p></h2><h2 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="background-color: white; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Summer Chromebook Information </span></span></h2><h2 style="background-color: white; text-align: right;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: georgia;"></span></h2><h2><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="background-color: white; white-space-collapse: preserve;"></span></span></h2><h2 style="text-align: right;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"></span></h2><h2 style="text-align: right;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"></span></h2><h2 style="text-align: right;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-weight: 400; white-space-collapse: preserve;">During the summer months, our technology department will be working diligently to upgrade our student devices. All students in grades K through 5 should leave their Chromebooks with their teacher and in their school for summer repair and updates to the devices. Students in grades 6 through 11 should take their Chromebooks home for the summer. Students in grade 12 should return their Chromebook at the completion of classes and before graduation. For more information about Chromebook collection, please contact your child's school. </span></span></div></h2><h2 style="text-align: right;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Early Childhood Registration </span></h2><h2><span style="font-family: georgia;"></span></h2><h2 style="text-align: right;"><div style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Registration for the 2023-2024 school year in the Early Childhood Program will be taking place from June 13 through June 20. For more information, including information on required documentation, please see our informational flyer here: <a href="https://www.romecsd.org/article/1145781"><span style="color: #ffa400;">https://www.romecsd.org/article/1145781</span></a>. </span></div><div style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTCL_INIoErhh1rY9vVHd5CmKNkVYmAmDlmL3TSDZVxtVtaczHWVOyUo7b9KyHVaN3DfnqNRIIMRwPWZspEyayAGeYyXQGzDAO6a6gYsKRGC2ij8iIUQNoveVK4dcuElIk_QUk5tTX2Q-EIxAKVJw82w6ByYcNHRgiXyy2j85-APyq4ZoGv8R2MxFhCw/s421/ECP%202.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="406" data-original-width="421" height="193" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTCL_INIoErhh1rY9vVHd5CmKNkVYmAmDlmL3TSDZVxtVtaczHWVOyUo7b9KyHVaN3DfnqNRIIMRwPWZspEyayAGeYyXQGzDAO6a6gYsKRGC2ij8iIUQNoveVK4dcuElIk_QUk5tTX2Q-EIxAKVJw82w6ByYcNHRgiXyy2j85-APyq4ZoGv8R2MxFhCw/w200-h193/ECP%202.png" width="200" /></a></div></div></h2><h2 style="text-align: right;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"></span></h2><h2 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">2023-2024 Immunization Requirements </span></h2><h2><span style="font-family: georgia;"></span></h2><h2 style="text-align: right;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Times; font-size: medium; font-weight: 400; text-align: center;"></div></span></h2><h2 style="text-align: right;"><div style="font-weight: 400; text-align: left;"><p style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">As you know, New York State has several requirements for school admission. These requirements are not COVID related and are the general requirements for schools in New York State. The link below will take you to the State Education Department website which outlines the required vaccinations. Please speak to your school nurse or family physician if you have any questions regarding any requirements. </span></p><p style="font-size: medium; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><a href="https://www.health.ny.gov/publications/2370_2024.pdf" target="_blank"><span style="color: #ffa400;">School Vaccine Requirements</span></a><br /></span></p><p style="font-size: medium; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.health.ny.gov/prevention/immunization/schools/school_vaccines/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #ffa400;">Parent Information Regarding School Vaccines</span></a><br /></p><p style="font-size: medium;"></p><p style="font-size: medium;"></p><p style="font-size: medium;"></p><div style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;"><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: times; font-size: medium; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbxaRwWTdS7-RSy0hoWQRB6Jis4BD1vFcieCwiX0E3A2MmT2NP-wzh_4FSad_nhRwxaqpFisp17NeKKMpukbeFBxs3eHH_Ka_dYh4BQQ7XvkSr-iOE0-bE7pORC_Rhc3Ob40fn3uYIZDHO/s1600/images.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="154" data-original-width="328" height="93" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbxaRwWTdS7-RSy0hoWQRB6Jis4BD1vFcieCwiX0E3A2MmT2NP-wzh_4FSad_nhRwxaqpFisp17NeKKMpukbeFBxs3eHH_Ka_dYh4BQQ7XvkSr-iOE0-bE7pORC_Rhc3Ob40fn3uYIZDHO/s200/images.jpeg" width="200" /></a></div></div></h2><h2 style="text-align: right;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: small;"></span></div></h2></div>Peter Blakehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03034789886564801957noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1488338991939068129.post-20353402753929706952023-06-11T10:47:00.003-04:002023-06-11T10:51:55.508-04:00Who's It About...<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilFXI0jDdOrKj8xpK_o786-YC_hzERPFa3oKBQg6phih10X13llaQdCyA9kjsaTwBTrhiZSqjg22BjqRVH_zaZW6TvowZ0otLGkXYGzGAUxAOO6ebUdRUp1yzN8Q1USK_taCRyUuOacpIiDxYQf1eIvX5HTProXDqhHcPjBEWTeLwEHaPjDjrvqHrPwA/s232/download32.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="218" data-original-width="232" height="188" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilFXI0jDdOrKj8xpK_o786-YC_hzERPFa3oKBQg6phih10X13llaQdCyA9kjsaTwBTrhiZSqjg22BjqRVH_zaZW6TvowZ0otLGkXYGzGAUxAOO6ebUdRUp1yzN8Q1USK_taCRyUuOacpIiDxYQf1eIvX5HTProXDqhHcPjBEWTeLwEHaPjDjrvqHrPwA/w200-h188/download32.png" width="200" /></a></div><br /> <span style="font-family: georgia;">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. <span style="background-color: white;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">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 cud not ring more true 4 pub ed. As I sat back n reflected on da Colonel's msg, I cud recount time after time where adults made decisions in da moment when workin w/ kids dat escalated a situation instead of defusing it. Durin my career, I can prolly count more adults in our prof who make da entire job or moment about themselves rather than about their students. It's 2 often dat ppl forget our purpose n forget who we r here for. Do students "misbehave" or exhibit behaviors dat we do not condone or prefer? Absolutely! However, far 2 often adults r not takin da time to understand y a student is actin out in a certain way n instead of makin da situation about the student, we immediately focus on us n wut we desire n wut we wanna see happen. Dat is not who pub ed is about. Most adults workin in schools r products of pub ed n sum prolly r only here cuz of an adult dat refused 2 give up on them. Unfortunately, 2 many hav lost da perspective of who pub ed is about n wut our purpose in da world is. As da yr winds down n comes 2 close, we hav a moment ova da summer n regroup. We can all take a break n breathe 2 come back betta than eva next fall. Our students will always need teachas n adults in sum fashion. Perhaps da purpose of pub ed is diff than it once was, but dat doesn't mean we aren't needed. Our world revolves around our students n it's time dat we learn n see wut they need from us.</span> </span>Public education is about them, the kids. We need to spend more time conforming to their needs and desires as opposed to preparing them for a world of yesteryear that will no longer exist when they leave our schools. It's about them, not us.</span><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><div><h2 style="text-align: right;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Early Childhood Registration </span></h2><h2><span style="font-family: georgia;"></span></h2><h2 style="text-align: right;"><div style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Registration for the 2023-2024 school year in the Early Childhood Program will be taking place from June 13 through June 20. For more information, including information on required documentation, please see our informational flyer here: <a href="https://www.romecsd.org/article/1145781"><span style="color: #ffa400;">https://www.romecsd.org/article/1145781</span></a>. </span></div><div style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTCL_INIoErhh1rY9vVHd5CmKNkVYmAmDlmL3TSDZVxtVtaczHWVOyUo7b9KyHVaN3DfnqNRIIMRwPWZspEyayAGeYyXQGzDAO6a6gYsKRGC2ij8iIUQNoveVK4dcuElIk_QUk5tTX2Q-EIxAKVJw82w6ByYcNHRgiXyy2j85-APyq4ZoGv8R2MxFhCw/s421/ECP%202.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="406" data-original-width="421" height="193" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTCL_INIoErhh1rY9vVHd5CmKNkVYmAmDlmL3TSDZVxtVtaczHWVOyUo7b9KyHVaN3DfnqNRIIMRwPWZspEyayAGeYyXQGzDAO6a6gYsKRGC2ij8iIUQNoveVK4dcuElIk_QUk5tTX2Q-EIxAKVJw82w6ByYcNHRgiXyy2j85-APyq4ZoGv8R2MxFhCw/w200-h193/ECP%202.png" width="200" /></a></div></div></h2><h2 style="text-align: right;"><p></p></h2><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><h2 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;">Upcoming Calendar Reminders</span></span></h2><h2><div style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400;"></div></h2><h2><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></span></h2><h2 style="text-align: right;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"></span></h2><h2 style="text-align: right;"><p style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></span></p></h2><h2 style="text-align: right;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"></span></h2><h2><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></span></h2><h2 style="text-align: right;"><p style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"></span></span></p><p style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400; text-align: left;"><span><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"></span></span></span></p><p style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;">As the school year comes to a close, please note that all elementary schools will have a half day on Fridays, for the last 2 weeks. More information will be provided directly to families by the school. Also, on Monday, June 19, all schools will be closed for the day in recognition of Juneteenth.</span></span></p></h2><h2 style="text-align: right;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;">Summer Chromebook Information </span></span></h2><h2 style="background-color: white; text-align: right;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: georgia;"></span></h2><h2><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></span></h2><h2 style="text-align: right;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"></span></h2><h2 style="text-align: right;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-weight: 400; white-space: pre-wrap;">During the summer months, our technology department will be working diligently to upgrade our student devices. All students in grades K through 5 should leave their Chromebooks with their teacher and in their school for summer repair and updates to the devices. Students in grades 6 through 11 should take their Chromebooks home for the summer. Students in grade 12 should return their Chromebook at the completion of classes and before graduation. For more information about Chromebook collection, please contact your child's school. </span></span></div></h2><h2 style="text-align: right;"><p></p></h2><h2><span style="font-family: georgia;">NAACP Juneteenth Weekend Celebration </span></h2><h2><span style="font-family: georgia;"></span></h2><h2 style="text-align: right;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-weight: 400; white-space: pre-wrap;">During the weekend of June 16 through June 18, the Rome NAACP will be hosting a Juneteenth Weekend Celebration. The weekend will include live music, vendors, food, worship, and more. The festival will be held at Bellamy Harbor Park from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Friday, 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, and continuing at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday. For more information, please visit the City website at </span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-weight: 400; white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="https://romenewyork.com/event/juneteenth-worship-service/?instance_id=2099"><span style="color: #ffa400;">https://romenewyork.com/event/juneteenth-worship-service/?instance_id=2099</span></a>. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: small;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgdawB77AyZDHPnWLpGPbxVESxHOaE88tbVpX9X7GLcfQZeH2gDfw6RtXeWDxfFPWdABsSFUmBw5cJ0FN6-zVnLMBCrhUV1Yp4EAUfKsZBHNlPETFFcI-T26LndJaouxSe04n_4NdB0jH6CJuL3xC8XLqFozYDUWifFdTUOnk2Mka47ArTAqEHr8VWeA/s604/348909223_1321110498477694_3980765649248603621_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="387" data-original-width="604" height="205" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgdawB77AyZDHPnWLpGPbxVESxHOaE88tbVpX9X7GLcfQZeH2gDfw6RtXeWDxfFPWdABsSFUmBw5cJ0FN6-zVnLMBCrhUV1Yp4EAUfKsZBHNlPETFFcI-T26LndJaouxSe04n_4NdB0jH6CJuL3xC8XLqFozYDUWifFdTUOnk2Mka47ArTAqEHr8VWeA/s320/348909223_1321110498477694_3980765649248603621_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-weight: 400; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></div></h2><h2 style="text-align: right;"><br /></h2></div>Peter Blakehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03034789886564801957noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1488338991939068129.post-49254208685606104652023-06-04T09:24:00.000-04:002023-06-04T09:24:07.918-04:00Did We Forget...<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-KYmIUwYn5EsmDzcrgnsAtsYvmSOYB4U-0CZqcqXEPoqfJVfPUArx42HxvX8M4cqEr29lfwrbA53ZQoyvHygPOB8E702idq7_vrcZWD55XQl_Z_l16O9I7xgzUPAnKstznvvYT5ZNoHPU0ikt2T11NX_aUv2mk9s8082EBN2Yen-0W6s_VQeGmzanfQ/s262/download%20(8).jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="192" data-original-width="262" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-KYmIUwYn5EsmDzcrgnsAtsYvmSOYB4U-0CZqcqXEPoqfJVfPUArx42HxvX8M4cqEr29lfwrbA53ZQoyvHygPOB8E702idq7_vrcZWD55XQl_Z_l16O9I7xgzUPAnKstznvvYT5ZNoHPU0ikt2T11NX_aUv2mk9s8082EBN2Yen-0W6s_VQeGmzanfQ/s1600/download%20(8).jpeg" width="262" /></a></div><br /> <span style="font-family: georgia;">It's that time of year, when everyone involved in education begins to get a little bit antsy and squirrelly. When the calendar turns over to the month of June, it often feels like a perpetual full moon in schools. There's no doubt that kids and adults alike can feel the conclusion of a long year coming to a close, and the weather becoming nicer doesn't help either. As patience on all sides seems to wear out, I often wonder in my conversations with adults if we have forgotten how we all once were as a student? Or have we forgotten about the relationships and understandings that we've come to know about our students throughout the year. Yes, the year is coming to a close and many are looking forward to summer plans and various events or excursions with friends and families. But, did we forget that many of our students are losing their support system that they thrive on and need for 2 months? Did we forget that many students are facing food insecurity during the summer because schools aren't there for them? We didn't forget, however, we may not always recognize that some of the craziness in our students is caused by our reminders to students that summer is coming. Not everyone views these times of the year the same and for many it can be terrifying. Beyond the concerns of summer coming, have we forgotten what we may have been like when we were kids in the month of June. I often have conversations with adults in our profession where they will complain about a student behavior and I will ask them if they never acted like that in school. Ironically, most times the adult can recall a time in their life when they themself displayed the very behavior that they were complaining about with a student. I'm not talking major violations of a code of conduct, but simple little things like forgetting materials, skipping a class, being late to a class, talking too much... you name it. We've all done it. So why is it so upsetting and shocking to adults that kids are being kids at a time of year when everyone is charged up? So I have to ask, did we forget what it's like to be a kid? Have we not been able to learn about our students' lives enough throughout the year to understand the "why" things happen? I have to believe that we have not forgotten and we do know our kids. Perhaps the right way is to share our stories of being a kid with our students so that they realize that all of us adults are nothing more than big versions of them. We know that relationships are the cornerstone of education, there is nothing wrong with letting our students know where we came from and what helped build us. After all, it may be helpful to not forget what childhood and life was like while being a student ourselves. </span><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><div><h2 style="text-align: right;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;">District Art Show</span></span></h2><h2><div style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400;"></div></h2><h2><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></span></h2><h2 style="text-align: right;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"></span></h2><h2 style="text-align: right;"><p style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"></span></span></p><p style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400; text-align: left;"><span><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"></span></span></span></p><p style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: georgia;">Throughout the year, students throughout our district have been creating wonderful art through the instruction of our fantastic art teachers. In recognition of their efforts, the teachers have organized art shows to display the talents of our students throughout the district. One show is an ongoing show at the Rome Art and Community Center, and the second show will be held at RFA on Thursday, June 8, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.</span></p><p style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: georgia; letter-spacing: 0.133333px;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: georgia; letter-spacing: 0.133333px;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiScBSPaJYm6Sw5a9BCdUsaOc-gOZT27oWOm_0HXYKsfMzz_EsubEkyf7vquM1WTdoGTfjkFNWdR9qbhZHqLVtbwOln0_GI2hNYHdoBpd15KP3GfVrjvWN4eD6SRKevLgQfcHXp2KVmqJpsOOwUmKhn-FrpL25UO47ReJ4E_WvUZ9k8e99J1tkILIb0-w/s947/Art%20Expo%202023.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="947" data-original-width="709" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiScBSPaJYm6Sw5a9BCdUsaOc-gOZT27oWOm_0HXYKsfMzz_EsubEkyf7vquM1WTdoGTfjkFNWdR9qbhZHqLVtbwOln0_GI2hNYHdoBpd15KP3GfVrjvWN4eD6SRKevLgQfcHXp2KVmqJpsOOwUmKhn-FrpL25UO47ReJ4E_WvUZ9k8e99J1tkILIb0-w/s320/Art%20Expo%202023.jpg" width="240" /></a></span></div><p></p></h2><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><h2><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;">Summer Chromebook Information </span></span></h2><h2 style="background-color: white; text-align: right;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: georgia;"></span></h2><h2><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></span></h2><h2 style="text-align: right;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"></span></h2><h2 style="text-align: right;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-weight: 400; white-space: pre-wrap;">During the summer months, our technology department will be working diligently to upgrade our student devices. All students in grades K through 5 should leave their Chromebooks with their teacher and in their school for summer repair and updates to the devices. Students in grades 6 through 11 should take their Chromebooks home for the summer. Students in grade 12 should return their Chromebook at the completion of classes and before graduation. For more information about Chromebook collection, please contact your child's school. </span></span></div></h2><h2 style="text-align: right;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;">Upcoming Calendar Reminders</span></span></h2><h2><div style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400;"></div></h2><h2><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></span></h2><h2 style="text-align: right;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"></span></h2><h2 style="text-align: right;"><p style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></span></p></h2><h2 style="text-align: right;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"></span></h2><h2 style="text-align: right;"><p style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"></span></span></p><p style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400; text-align: left;"><span><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"></span></span></span></p><p style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;">As the school year comes to a close, please note that all elementary schools will have a half day on Fridays, for the next 3 weeks. More information will be provided directly to families by the school. Also, on Monday, June 19, all schools will be closed for the day in recognition of Juneteenth.</span></span></p><p></p></h2><h2><span style="font-family: georgia;">NAACP Juneteenth Weekend Celebration </span></h2><h2><span style="font-family: georgia;"></span></h2><h2 style="text-align: right;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-weight: 400; white-space: pre-wrap;">During the weekend of June 16 through June 18, the Rome NAACP will be hosting a Juneteenth Weekend Celebration. The weekend will include live music, vendors, food, worship, and more. The festival will be held at Bellamy Harbor Park from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Friday, 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, and continuing at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday. For more information, please visit the City website at </span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-weight: 400; white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="https://romenewyork.com/event/juneteenth-worship-service/?instance_id=2099"><span style="color: #ffa400;">https://romenewyork.com/event/juneteenth-worship-service/?instance_id=2099</span></a>. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: small;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgdawB77AyZDHPnWLpGPbxVESxHOaE88tbVpX9X7GLcfQZeH2gDfw6RtXeWDxfFPWdABsSFUmBw5cJ0FN6-zVnLMBCrhUV1Yp4EAUfKsZBHNlPETFFcI-T26LndJaouxSe04n_4NdB0jH6CJuL3xC8XLqFozYDUWifFdTUOnk2Mka47ArTAqEHr8VWeA/s604/348909223_1321110498477694_3980765649248603621_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="387" data-original-width="604" height="205" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgdawB77AyZDHPnWLpGPbxVESxHOaE88tbVpX9X7GLcfQZeH2gDfw6RtXeWDxfFPWdABsSFUmBw5cJ0FN6-zVnLMBCrhUV1Yp4EAUfKsZBHNlPETFFcI-T26LndJaouxSe04n_4NdB0jH6CJuL3xC8XLqFozYDUWifFdTUOnk2Mka47ArTAqEHr8VWeA/s320/348909223_1321110498477694_3980765649248603621_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-weight: 400; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></div></h2><h2 style="text-align: right;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;">2023-2024 Sports Physical Dates</span></span></h2><h2><div style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400;"></div></h2><h2><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></span></h2><h2 style="text-align: right;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"></span></h2><h2 style="text-align: right;"><p style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"></span></span></p><p style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400; text-align: left;"><span><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"></span></span></span></p><p style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="background-color: white;">For any student interested in playing a scholastic sport in the 2023-2024 school year, our athletic department will be hosting physicals. The dates and locations for physicals are as follows:</span></span></p><p style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400; text-align: left;"></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: white; font-weight: normal;">Monday, June 5 @ RFA from 7:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.</span></span></li><li><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: white; font-weight: normal;">Tuesday, June 6 @ Strough from 7:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.</span></span></li><li><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: white; font-weight: normal;">Monday, August 7 @ RFA from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.</span></span></li><li><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: white; font-weight: normal;">Thursday, August 10 @ RFA from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.</span></span></li><li><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: white; font-weight: normal;">Friday, August 11 @ RFA from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.</span></span></li><li><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: white; font-weight: normal;">Thursday, August 17 @ RFA from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.</span></span></li></ul><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">For more information regarding any of these dates, or for requirements to participate in scholastic athletics, please contact our athletic department.</span></span></div></h2></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Peter Blakehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03034789886564801957noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1488338991939068129.post-38514953813490751972023-05-28T08:41:00.000-04:002023-05-28T08:41:05.711-04:00Honoring Heroes...<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8v1KNSUvPbjUCDYOtvnT5mbCF-fb_0k8iI-WvJYoa1tHGH-7LCRL6fBd2lBd9YfxgqKB5aUsIuhwj_v4pVyd45OIQvicAJJ47-8dOA0DUJx46cK05U8pkk4oaGWGZaaICHFI4Cih9zXArYZ8fJCUrda7GD0KXaxiJS9Piy5GZ6DwZiIF1GrKbGvHsNg/s275/download%20(7).jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="183" data-original-width="275" height="183" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8v1KNSUvPbjUCDYOtvnT5mbCF-fb_0k8iI-WvJYoa1tHGH-7LCRL6fBd2lBd9YfxgqKB5aUsIuhwj_v4pVyd45OIQvicAJJ47-8dOA0DUJx46cK05U8pkk4oaGWGZaaICHFI4Cih9zXArYZ8fJCUrda7GD0KXaxiJS9Piy5GZ6DwZiIF1GrKbGvHsNg/s1600/download%20(7).jpeg" width="275" /></a></div><br />On Memorial Day, we stop each year to remember and honor the military men and women who have given the ultimate sacrifice so that we can live the life that we are all so accustomed to. Memorial Day is filled with parades, bands, military memorabilia and honorees, picnics, barbecues, ice cream, fire works, and more. Across our country it is a day of remembrance and honor for people that most of us never knew, and never knew what the true fight was. Yet part of what makes the American people so great is their ability to band together in times of need and do the small things that make the world a better place; small things like say thank you to complete strangers. The women and men of our military are sacrificing their lives on a daily basis for a country that we all belong to. Without the amazing members of our military (past and present), we would not be able to live the life that we have come accustomed to enjoy over the decades. Beyond what they are doing to keep our country safe, our military friends bring with them a whole host of ideals, actions, and methods about life that we should be learning from. You don't have to be in the military to exemplify the ideals with which their foundation lies. Hard work, effort, help your brother or sister, support your colleagues regardless of all else, and respect for those around you are not hard concepts to understand. On any given day, we can learn from each other about to make our environments a better place, so that we can help make the world a better place. If we as civilians can find a way to make the world a better place, we are also helping make the world a safer place for our military. That is the least we can do to help support all of our friends and strangers that risk their lives each day to protect our freedoms. So, please take time this Memorial Day to thank all of those that you know and don't know in uniform. Thank our veterans who have given their time to help protect our country and way of life. Without all of these fine women and men of the military, we would not be having our parades, picnics, and fireworks. Thank you to all of our military (past and present) for everything you have done to provide our country with a way of life, and for passing on your lessons of respect, support, and camaraderie for all of us who serve the world in a different way. Finally, and most importantly, thank you to the men and women who gave their lives for our freedom on this Memorial Day. Please take time to remember them and why we live the way that we do. </span></div><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><div><h2 style="text-align: right;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">June 1 Regents Day</span></h2><h2 style="text-align: right;"><div style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></span></div></h2><h2 style="text-align: right;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></span></h2><h2 style="text-align: right;"><div style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">On Thursday, June 1, all classes at RFA only will be cancelled due to the administration of the New York State Education Department's United States History Regents Exam. Students in grades 9-12 will not be in session on Thursday, however, all students who are taking the US History Regents exam will be in attendance. For more information, please contact RFA.</span></span></div></h2><h2 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;">2023-2024 Sports Physical Dates</span></span></h2><h2><div style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400;"></div></h2><h2><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></span></h2><h2 style="text-align: right;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"></span></h2><h2 style="text-align: right;"><p style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"></span></span></p><p style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400; text-align: left;"><span><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"></span></span></span></p><p style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="background-color: white;">For any student interested in playing a scholastic sport in the 2023-2024 school year, our athletic department will be hosting physicals. The dates and locations for physicals are as follows:</span></span></p><p style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400; text-align: left;"></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: white; font-weight: normal;">Monday, June 5 @ RFA from 7:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.</span></span></li><li><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: white; font-weight: normal;">Tuesday, June 6 @ Strough from 7:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.</span></span></li><li><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: white; font-weight: normal;">Monday, August 7 @ RFA from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.</span></span></li><li><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: white; font-weight: normal;">Thursday, August 10 @ RFA from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.</span></span></li><li><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: white; font-weight: normal;">Friday, August 11 @ RFA from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.</span></span></li><li><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: white; font-weight: normal;">Thursday, August 17 @ RFA from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.</span></span></li></ul><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">For more information regarding any of these dates, or for requirements to participate in scholastic athletics, please contact our athletic department.</span></span></div></h2><h2 style="text-align: right;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;">STEM Summer Camps </span></span></h2><h2 style="background-color: white; text-align: right;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: georgia;"></span></h2><h2><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></span></h2><h2 style="text-align: right;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"></span></h2><h2 style="text-align: right;"><div style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">This summer, the Griffiss Institute will be offering nine STEM Summer Camp opportunities for students, free of charge, thanks to grant funding that they have secured. Parents can sign students up beginning tomorrow (5/22) at 11:00 a.m. and spots fill up fast. Camps begin for students as young as grade 3. The camps this year will include Lego Robotics, Cyber Camp, Principles of Flying 1, Principles of Flying 2, Engineering, Arduino, Drone, Sphero, and Quantum Innovation. For more information about each of the camps and for registration links, please visit their website at </span></span><a href="https://www.griffissinstitute.org/who-we-work-with/afrl/stem/summer-programs" style="font-family: georgia; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #ffa400;">https://www.griffissinstitute.org/who-we-work-with/afrl/stem/summer-programs</span></a><span style="font-family: georgia; white-space: pre-wrap;">.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: 400; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: small;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7qsL69Oy55cSErA7pDMPML13HCb9fAOuM7CRAUmCxDLdNC1g63BLyJCUIJBIHpryfcGeK6KLk8IhTltOGQA-LHtUOr1LXWAk6l_NW48V9TPiI6jCWhTcuDHsouz7q6X6pFTg21j8D3QtNPcZKejeEDp8DJ3RvKIFjVdZUGs1X21WXnvKZE8udhqKaRA/s1600/STEM-2023-summer-camps-banner.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="592" data-original-width="1600" height="118" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7qsL69Oy55cSErA7pDMPML13HCb9fAOuM7CRAUmCxDLdNC1g63BLyJCUIJBIHpryfcGeK6KLk8IhTltOGQA-LHtUOr1LXWAk6l_NW48V9TPiI6jCWhTcuDHsouz7q6X6pFTg21j8D3QtNPcZKejeEDp8DJ3RvKIFjVdZUGs1X21WXnvKZE8udhqKaRA/s320/STEM-2023-summer-camps-banner.png" width="320" /></a></div></span></div></h2><h2 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;">YMCA Summer Camp</span></span></h2><h2><div style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400;"></div></h2><h2><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></span></h2><h2 style="text-align: right;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"></span></h2><h2 style="text-align: right;"><p style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></span></p></h2><h2 style="text-align: right;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"></span></h2><h2 style="text-align: right;"><p style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"></span></span></p><p style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400; text-align: left;"><span><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"></span></span></span></p><p style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;">The Rome YMCA is currently offer summer day camp opportunities for children. This is a 10-week program that runs all summer and families are able to register for the whole 10 weeks, or week by week based on their needs and schedule. For more information about this camp, please see their flier here: <a href="https://app.peachjar.com/flyers/2487110/districts/32521"><span style="color: #ffa400;">https://app.peachjar.com/flyers/2487110/districts/32521</span></a>.</span></span></p><p style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKnp3lhfxKXgYQXhqqQYYwHezohUAGwfh9_x2nqJxostU87eD00LqzG6lw8DWiTehiB_JdjJ3oMlA6E11LqefI6FDQiR0u9ybeiPD8HNstFUe1VYYQ-8qlOTVWv69Hg9d-RA5FFWnHYR1p2VeMqnA0Dv6mLjXFLdDyGuvXy6RKuC--SoZjjmK4YJUfZw/s332/download%20(5).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="152" data-original-width="332" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKnp3lhfxKXgYQXhqqQYYwHezohUAGwfh9_x2nqJxostU87eD00LqzG6lw8DWiTehiB_JdjJ3oMlA6E11LqefI6FDQiR0u9ybeiPD8HNstFUe1VYYQ-8qlOTVWv69Hg9d-RA5FFWnHYR1p2VeMqnA0Dv6mLjXFLdDyGuvXy6RKuC--SoZjjmK4YJUfZw/s16000/download%20(5).jpeg" /></a></span></div><p></p></h2><h2 style="text-align: right;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Job Fair </span></h2><h2><span style="font-family: georgia;"></span></h2><h2 style="text-align: right;"><div style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; white-space: pre-wrap;">On Wednesday, May 31, the RFA Counseling Department will be hosting a Job Fair at Rome Free Academy from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. The fair include many local employers and is geared toward students leaving high school looking for employment and community members looking for employment. The time slot from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. is for RFA students only. 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. will be open to the public. For more information, please visit <a href="https://app.peachjar.com/flyers/2482082/districts/32521"><span style="color: #ffa400;">https://app.peachjar.com/flyers/2482082/districts/32521</span></a>. </span></div><div style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNzLyYk9ToDRfE2TXdnIVoQZK5NBycUZfhzNAWAQvqU461Vknp6FvauJcss43RAvJY6iY6AusxIUsX5kcOHDrD-Rb83b2c9N8GahU5YmVEyZUflaTXkY1al4a93xybx6nH5ilWnWmLfKk5IYNxVZEuQzfvsFD6hfyPpTf_Kim6EFzKJXRjH_wtis8uOw/s225/images55.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="225" data-original-width="225" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNzLyYk9ToDRfE2TXdnIVoQZK5NBycUZfhzNAWAQvqU461Vknp6FvauJcss43RAvJY6iY6AusxIUsX5kcOHDrD-Rb83b2c9N8GahU5YmVEyZUflaTXkY1al4a93xybx6nH5ilWnWmLfKk5IYNxVZEuQzfvsFD6hfyPpTf_Kim6EFzKJXRjH_wtis8uOw/w200-h200/images55.png" width="200" /></a></div></div></h2><h2 style="text-align: right;"><br /></h2></div>Peter Blakehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03034789886564801957noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1488338991939068129.post-8439042191058034942023-05-21T08:55:00.001-04:002023-05-21T09:18:41.444-04:00Kids, Kids, Kids...<p><span style="font-family: georgia;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGHhSQymE_94kivrG0iuPUf6rrIk5QOpaOq9G2C48D5rDgvmNunV4gWg0KNsCgeqYcxpr6p7UkO29nZhQR5Q134FhUOtGhbiT7VvO1y-tqrKpQ9jTuX61dwWEzKq_JBVQlhgJQfcnTHomKUgORlncbOlHNAQtM2SCb5d75tJET016xcY0PWLgnmRW5Mw/s302/download%20(6).jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="167" data-original-width="302" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGHhSQymE_94kivrG0iuPUf6rrIk5QOpaOq9G2C48D5rDgvmNunV4gWg0KNsCgeqYcxpr6p7UkO29nZhQR5Q134FhUOtGhbiT7VvO1y-tqrKpQ9jTuX61dwWEzKq_JBVQlhgJQfcnTHomKUgORlncbOlHNAQtM2SCb5d75tJET016xcY0PWLgnmRW5Mw/s16000/download%20(6).jpeg" /></a></div><br />Over the past several weeks, I have been experiencing multiple events where we recognize kids for the great things that they have accomplished. Our schools continue to go out of their way to recognize and encourage positive behavior in school, and of course seniors throughout the country are recognized for their achievements in school at this time of year. When I was a kid, I don't recall half of this stuff to be honest. Maybe it's just because I wasn't worthy of recognition so I didn't participate, or maybe time have changed drastically in 30 years. Regardless, I continue to see things around and outside of schools change, however schools on the inside continue to resist. Most all school settings, procedures, expectations, environments are very static and similar to when us adults attended high school. Most parents can walk into a school setting and immediately remember their times in that building and recall events, instead of walking in and not recognizing it. Are we truly meeting the needs of kids in today's society with this mentality? Most every other public place has evolved over the last 3 decades and is almost unrecognizable to our childhood selves. Is this why so many kids drop out of college (or are not longer desiring to attend college) because they are not seeing how education relates to their world? People that are around me can you tell you that I firmly believe in making decisions that impact kids. Kids HAVE to be the focus of our public school system. We are a business in the business of educating and helping kids have a better life. Our kids generally don't have a seat at the table of decision making with their lives and too often our schools make decisions based on what's best or easiest for the adults (because it's how it's always been done), not what's right for kids. I wonder, are schools supposed to educate kids (which means allowing them to take risks, make mistakes, show them empathy, and help them learn) or are we still meant to teach compliance? The future of all of our lives depends on our kids. Our kids need to learn how to be thinkers and understanders of society, not merely compliant officers. The world is evolving at a rate that is faster than most want to accept, but our students need to try to work with tools and thoughts that are far more advanced than we have been trained to do. If we truly want our kids to be successful in college and career, then we need to teach them how to problem solve and think their way through challenging times. I know we as educators have it in us to be different, I just hope that our schools can get on board sooner than later. It won't be long before the students know more about the world around us than the teachers, and then we will have made ourselves obsolete. </span><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><div><h2 style="text-align: right;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;">Congratulations Athletes</span></span></h2><h2><div style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400;"></div></h2><h2><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></span></h2><h2 style="text-align: right;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"></span></h2><h2 style="text-align: right;"><p style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"></span></span></p><p style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400; text-align: left;"><span><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"></span></span></span></p><p style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: georgia;">Congratulations to all of our Spring sports scholar-athletes and teams! </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: georgia; letter-spacing: 0.1pt;">The NYSPHSAA has released the list of scholar-athletes and teams for the Spring 2023 season. Our Scholar Teams for the Spring 2023 season include: Girls Varsity Golf coached by Dave Petrelli, Boys Varsity Lacrosse coached by Kiel Adams, Girls Varsity Lacrosse coached by Kayla Miller, Girls Varsity Softball coached by Gerry Closinski. Girls Varsity Track & Field coached by Nick Jeror, Boys Varsity Track & Field coached by Ted Swavely, and Boys Varsity Tennis coached by Larry Bevilacqua. In total, across all sports, we had 93 students achieve the Scholar-Athlete distinction. Individual awards are given to any student who has a cumulative GPA of 90% or higher; while t</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: georgia; letter-spacing: 0.133333px;">eam awards are given to teams that have 75% of the roster achieving a GPA of 90% or better.</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: georgia; letter-spacing: 0.133333px;"> </span></p><p></p></h2><h2 style="text-align: right;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: medium; font-weight: 400; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9srFlIpKKkgQYIeYzM3Xc1s0pQHynKavufxfbyEAMUuS95MeW78Vi8yIG1wHhQ76alUTiyN3xySq1JDKK3ZwZJ-GhJwMvQmCPMQUFOXaYcNGKMBafNeL9CsZsXb7Pc558CknZsoDNM2AKHDggQuw8gEutqd69hZ7gx8bbIlF0bvfTIShwz8B4GUlnJg/s287/download.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="287" data-original-width="176" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9srFlIpKKkgQYIeYzM3Xc1s0pQHynKavufxfbyEAMUuS95MeW78Vi8yIG1wHhQ76alUTiyN3xySq1JDKK3ZwZJ-GhJwMvQmCPMQUFOXaYcNGKMBafNeL9CsZsXb7Pc558CknZsoDNM2AKHDggQuw8gEutqd69hZ7gx8bbIlF0bvfTIShwz8B4GUlnJg/w123-h200/download.jpeg" width="123" /></a></div></h2><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><h2><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;">STEM Summer Camps </span></span></h2><h2 style="background-color: white; text-align: right;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: georgia;"></span></h2><h2><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></span></h2><h2 style="text-align: right;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"></span></h2><h2 style="text-align: right;"><div style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">This summer, the Griffiss Institute will be offering nine STEM Summer Camp opportunities for students, free of charge, thanks to grant funding that they have secured. Parents can sign students up beginning tomorrow (5/22) at 11:00 a.m. and spots fill up fast. Camps begin for students as young as grade 3. The camps this year will include Lego Robotics, Cyber Camp, Principles of Flying 1, Principles of Flying 2, Engineering, Arduino, Drone, Sphero, and Quantum Innovation. For more information about each of the camps and for registration links, please visit their website at </span></span><a href="https://www.griffissinstitute.org/who-we-work-with/afrl/stem/summer-programs" style="font-family: georgia; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #ffa400;">https://www.griffissinstitute.org/who-we-work-with/afrl/stem/summer-programs</span></a><span style="font-family: georgia; white-space: pre-wrap;">.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: 400; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: small;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7qsL69Oy55cSErA7pDMPML13HCb9fAOuM7CRAUmCxDLdNC1g63BLyJCUIJBIHpryfcGeK6KLk8IhTltOGQA-LHtUOr1LXWAk6l_NW48V9TPiI6jCWhTcuDHsouz7q6X6pFTg21j8D3QtNPcZKejeEDp8DJ3RvKIFjVdZUGs1X21WXnvKZE8udhqKaRA/s1600/STEM-2023-summer-camps-banner.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="592" data-original-width="1600" height="118" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7qsL69Oy55cSErA7pDMPML13HCb9fAOuM7CRAUmCxDLdNC1g63BLyJCUIJBIHpryfcGeK6KLk8IhTltOGQA-LHtUOr1LXWAk6l_NW48V9TPiI6jCWhTcuDHsouz7q6X6pFTg21j8D3QtNPcZKejeEDp8DJ3RvKIFjVdZUGs1X21WXnvKZE8udhqKaRA/s320/STEM-2023-summer-camps-banner.png" width="320" /></a></div></span></div></h2><h2 style="text-align: right;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;">YMCA Summer Camp</span></span></h2><h2><div style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400;"></div></h2><h2><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></span></h2><h2 style="text-align: right;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"></span></h2><h2 style="text-align: right;"><p style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></span></p></h2><h2 style="text-align: right;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"></span></h2><h2 style="text-align: right;"><p style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"></span></span></p><p style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400; text-align: left;"><span><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"></span></span></span></p><p style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;">The Rome YMCA is currently offer summer day camp opportunities for children. This is a 10-week program that runs all summer and families are able to register for the whole 10 weeks, or week by week based on their needs and schedule. For more information about this camp, please see their flier here: <a href="https://app.peachjar.com/flyers/2487110/districts/32521"><span style="color: #ffa400;">https://app.peachjar.com/flyers/2487110/districts/32521</span></a>.</span></span></p><p style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKnp3lhfxKXgYQXhqqQYYwHezohUAGwfh9_x2nqJxostU87eD00LqzG6lw8DWiTehiB_JdjJ3oMlA6E11LqefI6FDQiR0u9ybeiPD8HNstFUe1VYYQ-8qlOTVWv69Hg9d-RA5FFWnHYR1p2VeMqnA0Dv6mLjXFLdDyGuvXy6RKuC--SoZjjmK4YJUfZw/s332/download%20(5).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="152" data-original-width="332" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKnp3lhfxKXgYQXhqqQYYwHezohUAGwfh9_x2nqJxostU87eD00LqzG6lw8DWiTehiB_JdjJ3oMlA6E11LqefI6FDQiR0u9ybeiPD8HNstFUe1VYYQ-8qlOTVWv69Hg9d-RA5FFWnHYR1p2VeMqnA0Dv6mLjXFLdDyGuvXy6RKuC--SoZjjmK4YJUfZw/s16000/download%20(5).jpeg" /></a></span></div><p></p></h2><h2 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Job Fair </span></h2><h2><span style="font-family: georgia;"></span></h2><h2 style="text-align: right;"><div style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; white-space: pre-wrap;">On Wednesday, May 31, the RFA Counseling Department will be hosting a Job Fair at Rome Free Academy from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. The fair include many local employers and is geared toward students leaving high school looking for employment and community members looking for employment. The time slot from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. is for RFA students only. 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. will be open to the public. For more information, please visit <a href="https://app.peachjar.com/flyers/2482082/districts/32521"><span style="color: #ffa400;">https://app.peachjar.com/flyers/2482082/districts/32521</span></a>. </span></div><div style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNzLyYk9ToDRfE2TXdnIVoQZK5NBycUZfhzNAWAQvqU461Vknp6FvauJcss43RAvJY6iY6AusxIUsX5kcOHDrD-Rb83b2c9N8GahU5YmVEyZUflaTXkY1al4a93xybx6nH5ilWnWmLfKk5IYNxVZEuQzfvsFD6hfyPpTf_Kim6EFzKJXRjH_wtis8uOw/s225/images55.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="225" data-original-width="225" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNzLyYk9ToDRfE2TXdnIVoQZK5NBycUZfhzNAWAQvqU461Vknp6FvauJcss43RAvJY6iY6AusxIUsX5kcOHDrD-Rb83b2c9N8GahU5YmVEyZUflaTXkY1al4a93xybx6nH5ilWnWmLfKk5IYNxVZEuQzfvsFD6hfyPpTf_Kim6EFzKJXRjH_wtis8uOw/w200-h200/images55.png" width="200" /></a></div></div></h2><h2 style="text-align: right;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;">Early Dismissal - Calendar Reminder</span></span></h2><h2 style="background-color: white; text-align: right;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: georgia;"></span></h2><h2><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></span></h2><h2 style="text-align: right;"><div style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></span></div></h2><h2><div style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;">All students in grades pre-K through 12 will have an early dismissal, half-day, on Friday, May 26 for the purposes of staff development in the afternoon. For more information, please contact your child's school directly. </span></span></div></h2></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br />Peter Blakehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03034789886564801957noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1488338991939068129.post-47662602085340150682023-05-14T08:45:00.000-04:002023-05-14T08:45:01.082-04:00Happy Mother's Day...<p><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSJ55Qcq4iJ4VDaltzye0jPLwCFc3Dy2F1RP8LF2Ey_P1XvTXkMx4kZBrvrYLoNhN-NXzbkKiCDq1AWlqZCAw7XnpUMp8u98BBr2nKilpMOhAzqYYg0CY5pnWJt-g-RxcW29y8sNh7v2TCj8lrNzjr6HDvtt9hf0dWplAZYrMNYUeBwGLMPUOnV9uNKw/s355/images88.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="142" data-original-width="355" height="128" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSJ55Qcq4iJ4VDaltzye0jPLwCFc3Dy2F1RP8LF2Ey_P1XvTXkMx4kZBrvrYLoNhN-NXzbkKiCDq1AWlqZCAw7XnpUMp8u98BBr2nKilpMOhAzqYYg0CY5pnWJt-g-RxcW29y8sNh7v2TCj8lrNzjr6HDvtt9hf0dWplAZYrMNYUeBwGLMPUOnV9uNKw/s320/images88.png" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br />Each year, we deem the second Sunday of May, 'Mother's Day'. This day becomes a time to put the spotlight on our mothers and remember all of the wonderful things that they have done for us over the years, and appreciate the unconditional love that a mother provides. The reality is, and this phrase is used often, every day should be a version of Mother's Day. Our parents are more vital and instrumental in our lives than we could ever know. Unfortunately for some, by the time they are old enough to realize the value of their parents, it's too late. I could tell story after story of the things that I have personally witnessed mothers doing in the past 6 months and this blog would be an anthology. More than just the matriarch of a family structure, moms in today's society have become the most instrumental figure for the success of all of us. In many instances, going unnoticed or unrecognized for the sacrifices that they make for their families. Whether it be working 2-3 jobs to provide for their children or turning their vehicle into a charter bus for athletic weekends; we would not survive in this world without our mothers. One the greatest lessons that I learned from my mother, which was recently reinforced by my grandmother several years after her passing, is the importance of being happy in life. Life is tough and it rarely gets easier (at least until retirement and then hopefully it's easier). I have always tried to live life by the mantra that being happy is most important, because being happy leads to a healthier life. A few weeks ago during a conversation with my mother, we were remembering my grandmother and I inquired about how she always seemed so happy. My mother shared a tale with me about when my grandfather passed away, my grandmother had a choice to make, and not an easy one. She could be continuously depressed and sad, or she could find happiness. Her exact words were, "No one wants to be around someone who is miserable all the time, so if I want to keep spending time with my friends, then I need to be happy." Reflecting on my grandmother's message and thinking about how my mother now lives life, I can understand how both of these amazing women always laugh and smile. Life wasn't easy for my grandmother and certainly not easy for my mother having to raise me, but both have found a way to be happy and always smile; which has reflected on everyone around them. Regardless of the situation and stress, finding happiness is important my friends. Life is too short to dwell on negativity, and most don't want to be around it. Take some time to find happiness today, and most importantly, take time to celebrate your mother. Our moms are more instrumental in our lives than we know, the least we can do is make sure they know that we care before it's too late. And when the day is done, don't forget that every day should be about the mothers in our life. Happy Mother's Day to all of the moms out there. I hope you have an amazing day!! </span><p></p><p></p><p></p><div><h2 style="text-align: right;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;">Annual Election and Budget Vote</span></span></h2><h2 style="background-color: white; text-align: right;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: georgia;"></span></h2><h2><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></span></h2><h2><div style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;">The district budget vote and annual election will be held this coming Tuesday, May 16, from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. For information regarding where to vote, please see our budget newsletter page at <a href="https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/2645/RCSD/2970803/RCSD_2023-24_Budget_newsletter_4.21.23__2.pdf."><span style="color: #ffa400;">https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/2645/RCSD/2970803/RCSD_2023-24_Budget_newsletter_4.21.23__2.pdf.</span></a> </span></span></div></h2><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><h2><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;">2023-2024 Proposed Budget Information </span></span></h2><h2 style="background-color: white; text-align: right;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: georgia;"></span></h2><h2><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></span></h2><h2 style="text-align: right;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"></span></h2><h2 style="text-align: right;"><div style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The annual budget vote and district election is coming up on Tuesday, May 16. For more information on the proposed budget, please visit our budget page at <a href="https://www.romecsd.org/page/business-and-finance-budget"><span style="color: #ffa400;">https://www.romecsd.org/page/business-and-finance-budget</span></a>, which includes information on the Board of Education candidates. There will also be a Budget Hearing video on our YouTube channel later this week, following the Public Hearing on Monday, May 8.</span></span></div></h2><h2 style="text-align: right;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Job Fair </span></h2><h2><span style="font-family: georgia;"></span></h2><h2 style="text-align: right;"><div style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; white-space: pre-wrap;">On Wednesday, May 31, the RFA Counseling Department will be hosting a Job Fair at Rome Free Academy from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. The fair include many local employers and is geared toward students leaving high school looking for employment and community members looking for employment. The time slot from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. is for RFA students only. 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. will be open to the public. For more information, please visit <a href="https://app.peachjar.com/flyers/2482082/districts/32521"><span style="color: #ffa400;">https://app.peachjar.com/flyers/2482082/districts/32521</span></a>. </span></div><div style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNzLyYk9ToDRfE2TXdnIVoQZK5NBycUZfhzNAWAQvqU461Vknp6FvauJcss43RAvJY6iY6AusxIUsX5kcOHDrD-Rb83b2c9N8GahU5YmVEyZUflaTXkY1al4a93xybx6nH5ilWnWmLfKk5IYNxVZEuQzfvsFD6hfyPpTf_Kim6EFzKJXRjH_wtis8uOw/s225/images55.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="225" data-original-width="225" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNzLyYk9ToDRfE2TXdnIVoQZK5NBycUZfhzNAWAQvqU461Vknp6FvauJcss43RAvJY6iY6AusxIUsX5kcOHDrD-Rb83b2c9N8GahU5YmVEyZUflaTXkY1al4a93xybx6nH5ilWnWmLfKk5IYNxVZEuQzfvsFD6hfyPpTf_Kim6EFzKJXRjH_wtis8uOw/w200-h200/images55.png" width="200" /></a></div></div></h2><h2 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;">Early Dismissal - Calendar Reminder</span></span></h2><h2 style="background-color: white; text-align: right;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: georgia;"></span></h2><h2><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></span></h2><h2 style="text-align: right;"><div style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></span></div></h2><h2><div style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;">All students in grades pre-K through 12 will have an early dismissal, half-day, on Friday, May 26 for the purposes of staff development in the afternoon. For more information, please contact your child's school directly. </span></span></div></h2><h2><br /></h2></div>Peter Blakehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03034789886564801957noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1488338991939068129.post-53824764042737856332023-05-07T08:15:00.002-04:002023-05-08T08:24:11.433-04:00Teacher Appreciation Week...<p><span style="font-family: georgia;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-c2RVmYR5ERYxDEfFBJDvr6bft9BuxhQdNnm1kLf_Fw80-0HjGokfdhEbvlVwwdaV0XNf8BzKLEIbziwnvmutCA8keCgb7k1kBo1ha4Bw-fpNijyFMr2ZF95uCn2BqHedyqf19xAGa7L7iUM1H39bkC_YuvOHbqZgrMR30LYBSuKUIVawMNpLiMk5xg/s300/download%20(4).jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="168" data-original-width="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-c2RVmYR5ERYxDEfFBJDvr6bft9BuxhQdNnm1kLf_Fw80-0HjGokfdhEbvlVwwdaV0XNf8BzKLEIbziwnvmutCA8keCgb7k1kBo1ha4Bw-fpNijyFMr2ZF95uCn2BqHedyqf19xAGa7L7iUM1H39bkC_YuvOHbqZgrMR30LYBSuKUIVawMNpLiMk5xg/s16000/download%20(4).jpeg" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /> 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; if you work in a school, you are teaching our kids. We all do this together for our children and that is what breeds success. In Rome, we are fortunate to have many amazing adults who work with our students each and every day. Repeatedly finding creative ways to help reach a student so that they can maximize their learning and grow to their fullest potential. In honor of Teacher Appreciation Week, our public relations department has made this brief video:<span style="color: #ffa400;"> </span></span><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://youtu.be/oIVq61sK5-8&source=gmail&ust=1683547413694000&usg=AOvVaw1vdBJWjOAElsd_UtXbstYo" href="https://youtu.be/oIVq61sK5-8" style="background-color: white;" target="_blank"><span style="color: #ffa400; font-family: georgia;">https://youtu.be/oIVq61sK5-8</span></a>. <span style="font-family: georgia;">Please take a moment this week to recognize your child's teacher(s) and on behalf of the entire District Administration, I thank our faculty for everything that they continue to do on a daily basis for the betterment of our schools, community, and lives of children!!</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: georgia;"> </span><p></p><p></p><div><h2 style="text-align: right;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;">Early Dismissal - Calendar Reminder</span></span></h2><h2 style="background-color: white; text-align: right;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: georgia;"></span></h2><h2><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></span></h2><h2><div style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;">All students in grades pre-K through 12 will have an early dismissal, half-day, on Monday, May 8 (tomorrow0 for the purposes of staff development in the afternoon. For more information, please contact your child's school directly. </span></span></div></h2><h2 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Public Hearing - Naming of Facilities</span></h2><h2 style="text-align: right;"><div style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></span></div></h2><h2 style="text-align: right;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-weight: 400; white-space: pre-wrap;">On Monday, May 8, the district will be holding a public hearing for the renaming of district facilities. This winter, the district received two petitions to rename facilities within the district. The first petition is to rename the video studio at RFA in recognition of recent graduate Alana <span style="background-color: white;">Iacovissi </span>and the second is to rename the flag circle at Stokes after retired teacher George <span style="background-color: white;">DiFabio</span>. Both individuals have contributed amazing things to our district, community, and student body and we will now hold a public hearing to consider honoring these two with the renaming of facilities. By policy, a public hearing must be held prior to an official naming. The public hearing is scheduled to begin at 5:00 p.m. at 409 Bell Road.</span></span></div></h2><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><h2 style="text-align: right;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Public Hearing - Proposed Budget </span></h2><h2><span style="font-family: georgia;"></span></h2><h2 style="text-align: right;"><div style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; white-space: pre-wrap;">On Monday, May 8, the district will present the 2023-2024 proposed budget during the official budget hearing, which is scheduled to begin immediately after the public hearing on the renaming of a district facility. There will also be a YouTube video of the proposed budget available shortly after the presentation, for those that would prefer a more streamlined presentation. </span><span style="font-family: georgia; white-space: pre-wrap;">For more information on the 2023-2024 proposed budget, including the most recent slides from the last presentation, please visit our website at: <a href="https://www.romecsd.org/article/1101875"><span style="color: #ffa400;">https://www.romecsd.org/article/1101875</span></a>. </span></div></h2><h2 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;">2023-2024 Proposed Budget Information </span></span></h2><h2 style="background-color: white; text-align: right;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: georgia;"></span></h2><h2><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></span></h2><h2 style="text-align: right;"><div style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The annual budget vote and district election is coming up on Tuesday, May 16. For more information on the proposed budget, please visit our budget page at <a href="https://www.romecsd.org/page/business-and-finance-budget"><span style="color: #ffa400;">https://www.romecsd.org/page/business-and-finance-budget</span></a>, which includes information on the Board of Education candidates. There will also be a Budget Hearing video on our YouTube channel later this week, following the Public Hearing on Monday, May 8.</span></span></div></h2><h2><br /></h2><h2 style="text-align: right;"><br /></h2></div>Peter Blakehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03034789886564801957noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1488338991939068129.post-6104959092563476892023-04-30T09:14:00.000-04:002023-04-30T09:14:03.119-04:00It's More Than Trees...<p><span style="background-color: white; font-family: georgia;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: georgia;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggEij-E-Vuxr9Wig9WXlpCxu3CmEULlghMhH8X2e3MEBOl5CHES683nRm6yFgZtP5X3TR_BpeRxWmcajyeFvAejzgejibCgk0cQJ54Ej-6ZxiO4lKcRioXgpVz2LhRyretRqminIc6pMlbb3Kc_ymzmulAt2RPcQcF2bXW2e4gayiuH01ueTkpvWRtnA/s340/download6.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="148" data-original-width="340" height="87" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggEij-E-Vuxr9Wig9WXlpCxu3CmEULlghMhH8X2e3MEBOl5CHES683nRm6yFgZtP5X3TR_BpeRxWmcajyeFvAejzgejibCgk0cQJ54Ej-6ZxiO4lKcRioXgpVz2LhRyretRqminIc6pMlbb3Kc_ymzmulAt2RPcQcF2bXW2e4gayiuH01ueTkpvWRtnA/w200-h87/download6.jpeg" width="200" /></a></span></div><span style="background-color: white; font-family: georgia;"><br />Have you ever heard the phrase, "Can't see the forest through the trees?" Recently, I've been involved in too many conversations that make me wonder if people can even see the trees. In fact, the forest is made up of so much more than trees and most people can't even comprehend it. Our profession has been one of the most drastically transformed professions in terms of expectations in the last 10 to 15 years. However, with this drastic change in expectation, there has not been much adjustment to the structure of education. Meaning, the number of days school is in session, the number of hours kids are in school, the way in which schools look and operate on a daily basis, etc. I know hundreds of teachers and leaders who would reinvent education tomorrow for the better, but every time you try, there is a regulation or law that completely stifles creativity. It's not all that different that teaching. If you know a teacher, ask a teacher what their day looks like and see if you can figure out when during that time they are supposed to teach. Or ask them how many of their professional conversations are centered around instruction and learning. The answers will stagger you as the vast majority of time spent in schools is now dedicated to handling crisis situations in homes, supporting kids and families emotionally, attending to disruptive and/or disorderly students, and the list will go on and on. Schools have been the catch all for society because we are the only place in society where children must attend in mass and we are supposedly the trained professionals. We are trained in education though, not "all of the above." The worst part to me is that almost every person in education I know, would do anything they could for a child. They try their best every day, and when something doesn't go as planned or desired by a parent, family member, etc., they are chastised for it and made to feel like the bad guy when they were going above and beyond for the student. Often times sacrificing their own family and their own children's needs to support the needs of their students. But all of this work is lost on so many people because we can't see the trees anymore. We have lost sight of the details and all of the small things that go into being an educator and schools. We only see big picture things, that to the average person would be a blurry picture at best because they only have 5-10% of the facts that create the picture, and want to attack if the picture is correct from their perspective. If we want our future to be bright, and our children to grow into the people we will need to take care of us, we need to get back to a world where parents support schools, partner with the school, and let the teacher use their craft. Not every teacher is going to be a perfect match for every child, but that is life. We don't always get to chose what we do or have in life, sometimes life throws us a curveball and we have to work with it. As we move toward the end of the school year, I ask that you enjoy the forest, but always remember that there are trees, plants, and life within that forest that you don't know about and probably can't understand why or how they thrive there. The trees in our forest can only thrive if we allow them to do so. </span><p></p><div><h2 style="text-align: right;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Public Hearing - Naming of Facilities</span></h2><h2 style="text-align: right;"><div style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></span></div></h2><h2 style="text-align: right;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-weight: 400; white-space: pre-wrap;">On Monday, May 8, the district will be holding a public hearing for the renaming of district facilities. This winter, the district received two petitions to rename facilities within the district. The first petition is to rename the video studio at RFA in recognition of recent graduate Alana <span style="background-color: white;">Iacovissi </span>and the second is to rename the flag circle at Stokes after retired teacher George <span style="background-color: white;">DiFabio</span>. Both individuals have contributed amazing things to our district, community, and student body and we will now hold a public hearing to consider honoring these two with the renaming of facilities. By policy, a public hearing must be held prior to an official naming. The public hearing is scheduled to begin at 5:00 p.m. at 409 Bell Road.</span></span></div></h2><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><h2 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Public Hearing - Proposed Budget </span></h2><h2><span style="font-family: georgia;"></span></h2><h2 style="text-align: right;"><div style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; white-space: pre-wrap;">On Monday, May 8, the district will present the 2023-2024 proposed budget during the official budget hearing, which is scheduled to begin immediately after the public hearing on the renaming of a district facility. There will also be a YouTube video of the proposed budget available shortly after the presentation, for those that would prefer a more streamlined presentation. </span><span style="font-family: georgia; white-space: pre-wrap;">For more information on the 2023-2024 proposed budget, including the most recent slides from the last presentation, please visit our website at: </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-weight: 400; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://www.romecsd.org/article/1055457"><span style="color: #ffa400;">https://www.romecsd.org/article/1055457</span></a>.</span><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></span></div></h2><h2 style="text-align: right;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;">Early Dismissal - Calendar Reminder</span></span></h2><h2 style="background-color: white; text-align: right;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: georgia;"></span></h2><h2><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></span></h2><h2><div style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;">All students in grades pre-K through 12 will have an early dismissal, half-day, on Monday, May 8 for the purposes of staff development in the afternoon. For more information, please contact your child's school directly. </span></span></div></h2><h2><span style="font-family: georgia;">NYS Youth Council</span></h2><h2 style="text-align: right;"><div style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></span></div></h2><h2 style="text-align: right;"><div style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">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: <a href="https://files.constantcontact.com/9e0f57ab801/bc2d35eb-61d1-4319-b8a9-967a61b0ae33.pdf"><span style="color: #ffa400;">https://files.constantcontact.com/9e0f57ab801/bc2d35eb-61d1-4319-b8a9-967a61b0ae33.pdf</span></a>. </span></div></h2><h2 style="text-align: right;"><br /></h2></div>Peter Blakehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03034789886564801957noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1488338991939068129.post-40808297145880281562023-04-23T08:17:00.000-04:002023-04-23T08:17:22.536-04:00We Are Here...<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq-0Q05-zve3Z1C7MygsWa7sPJE9F_k1swnEsQ3Qf5_2UY7oUs5WPmMDG3BL1oasVpL_QkoYTLbttn9t8YcjChMs6Sz8TdO1P_yPqSofj38jvL4FhuLAhHA8WbtlITpHgUL3oXRnpneiWowhmLKnTPdhyJA7um3FdtK2Up1dwVZJ2M0YXzopdHYVM5Mw/s244/download%20(1)42.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="244" data-original-width="206" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq-0Q05-zve3Z1C7MygsWa7sPJE9F_k1swnEsQ3Qf5_2UY7oUs5WPmMDG3BL1oasVpL_QkoYTLbttn9t8YcjChMs6Sz8TdO1P_yPqSofj38jvL4FhuLAhHA8WbtlITpHgUL3oXRnpneiWowhmLKnTPdhyJA7um3FdtK2Up1dwVZJ2M0YXzopdHYVM5Mw/w169-h200/download%20(1)42.png" width="169" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: georgia;"> 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.</span><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><h2 style="text-align: right;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Administrative Professionals Day </span></h2><h2><span style="font-family: georgia;"></span></h2><h2 style="text-align: right;"><div style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">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!!</span></span></div></h2><h2><span style="font-family: georgia;">Best Community for Music Education</span></h2><h2 style="text-align: right;"><div style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></span></div></h2><h2 style="text-align: right;"><div style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">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<span style="background-color: white;"> joins 830 distric</span>ts 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!!</span></span></div><div style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQYaSdJMVaxPHVxZvCIJJF9BdBfEWsGAati3eNl9kXXmuyQGx_Xz3oTAHyEqJ97GNA3L6Aw2dorGqo9haP1xRiDXvOFA2wByqtMhLkAJ7cXpIbRpxOcpMDFpHXVR5ijTI1CfrliLOxHSp3UeXL131VFE-Ek3N5kkQ0fBVBYI9NO-em118bxEdvgI12Tg/s720/NF_23_BCME_Hero.1200x625.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="405" data-original-width="720" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQYaSdJMVaxPHVxZvCIJJF9BdBfEWsGAati3eNl9kXXmuyQGx_Xz3oTAHyEqJ97GNA3L6Aw2dorGqo9haP1xRiDXvOFA2wByqtMhLkAJ7cXpIbRpxOcpMDFpHXVR5ijTI1CfrliLOxHSp3UeXL131VFE-Ek3N5kkQ0fBVBYI9NO-em118bxEdvgI12Tg/s320/NF_23_BCME_Hero.1200x625.gif" width="320" /></a></div></span></div></h2><h2 style="text-align: right;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">RFA Musical - Sweeney Todd </span></h2><h2><span style="font-family: georgia;"></span></h2><h2 style="text-align: right;"><div style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div></span></div></h2><h2 style="text-align: right;"><div style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">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: <a href="https://www.romecsd.org/article/1072175"><span style="color: #ffa400;">https://www.romecsd.org/article/1072175</span></a>. </span></span></div><div style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTk5fhcZp4jm2Rgtjv-s577rVYTWXDbfF0uk8LiLgYBHfTZUr6fe9LXaEL2vQtY6Iix7C8l_fWcYeZHmYdQnj7lyuTPr8CQrEm4O9rElkBM7K9bU1egUYvNVlJnS_CwYYWHhMdH25W22fPB21LhdqEL20OudfmBIbcwLBfBvChR-fTgKldSTmNxOEZTA/s311/images.34.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="162" data-original-width="311" height="162" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTk5fhcZp4jm2Rgtjv-s577rVYTWXDbfF0uk8LiLgYBHfTZUr6fe9LXaEL2vQtY6Iix7C8l_fWcYeZHmYdQnj7lyuTPr8CQrEm4O9rElkBM7K9bU1egUYvNVlJnS_CwYYWHhMdH25W22fPB21LhdqEL20OudfmBIbcwLBfBvChR-fTgKldSTmNxOEZTA/s1600/images.34.jpeg" width="311" /></a></div></span></div></h2><h2><span style="font-family: georgia;">NYS Youth Council</span></h2><h2 style="text-align: right;"><div style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></span></div></h2><h2 style="text-align: right;"><div style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">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: <a href="https://files.constantcontact.com/9e0f57ab801/bc2d35eb-61d1-4319-b8a9-967a61b0ae33.pdf"><span style="color: #ffa400;">https://files.constantcontact.com/9e0f57ab801/bc2d35eb-61d1-4319-b8a9-967a61b0ae33.pdf</span></a>. </span></div></h2><h2 style="text-align: right;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Paper Tigers Screening</span></h2><h2 style="text-align: right;"><div style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></span></div></h2><h2 style="text-align: right;"><div style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div></span></div></h2><h2 style="text-align: right;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #666666; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">You are invited to attend a screening of the 2015 documentary, <i style="background-color: white;">Paper Tigers </i><span style="background-color: white;">at MVCC - Utica Campus in Schafer Theater on April 26</span><sup style="background-color: white;">th</sup><span style="background-color: white;">, 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</span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">. </span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">For more information, please visit:</span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-weight: 400;"><a href="https://romenewyork.com/event/paper-tigers/?instance_id=2035" style="color: #ffa400; font-family: georgia;">https://romenewyork.com/event/paper-tigers/?instance_id=2035</a><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">. </span></span></span></div></h2>Peter Blakehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03034789886564801957noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1488338991939068129.post-40644838873028669372023-04-16T10:21:00.001-04:002023-04-16T10:21:42.759-04:00The Home Stretch...<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7_B8KGk8-FxYnYb3guqcdZLy9IS2mvbqmSCSoFQKpVLK3MW6pgRYSkZHg7-stzwWgrudueLMGIW0Sjc5O_fX_MlEdIkdlfULdjdXiEckxdQwE9t-9KYZU89oy-0uyEnk-JDrBldkXpVtor6ZnkUDVkwfDM5sJL0lCPbgyun8G6RvqglZLLmJWgllJvQ/s200/Keep-Calm-and-Carry-On-Navy-Blue-Poster-Front__69597.1319984235.1280.1280.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="200" data-original-width="142" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7_B8KGk8-FxYnYb3guqcdZLy9IS2mvbqmSCSoFQKpVLK3MW6pgRYSkZHg7-stzwWgrudueLMGIW0Sjc5O_fX_MlEdIkdlfULdjdXiEckxdQwE9t-9KYZU89oy-0uyEnk-JDrBldkXpVtor6ZnkUDVkwfDM5sJL0lCPbgyun8G6RvqglZLLmJWgllJvQ/s1600/Keep-Calm-and-Carry-On-Navy-Blue-Poster-Front__69597.1319984235.1280.1280.jpg" width="142" /></a></div><br />Spring break is officially past (unfortunately) which is generally a landmark in the education schedule for the year. With roughly 60 school days remaining, or ask a senior if you want the exact count, it will be a mad dash to the finish line in all schools. There are many events that will take place over the next 8 weeks within our schools including the State assessments, AP exams at the high school, non-stop athletics, junior prom, senior ball, concerts galore, academic achievement ceremonies, and all culminating with RFA's graduation. The anticipation of the end of the school year can bring mixed emotions for many people, so please take time to have a conversation with your student if you notice any changes in behavior. Also, our school administration and staff are available to work together in the event that concerns arise. Likewise, staff can develop some level of anxiety as the end of there approaches for various reasons, so let's work together to keep everyone sharp for our kids. As I mentioned, the end of the year will be here before we know it and it is very easy to lose track of time with the myriad of events that are going to come at us. I can't help but think of that meme, "Keep calm and carry on!" We have made it to the home stretch team, now it's time to finish strong for our kids!!</span></div><p></p><div><h2 style="text-align: right;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Month of the Military Child</span></h2><h2 style="text-align: right;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Military members and military-connected families make many sacrifices for the security and safety of our nation, specifically military-connected children during their K-12 careers. April is designated as the </span><em style="box-sizing: inherit; font-weight: 400;">Month of the Military Child </em><span style="font-weight: 400;">or </span><em style="box-sizing: inherit; font-weight: 400;">Purple Up! For Military Kids</em><span style="font-weight: 400;">. Across the nation, states and school districts will celebrate the important role military children play while their service member parents serve our country through special events and wearing the color purple. Last Wednesday (4/19) was the designated day nationally for wearing purple in recognition of our military families and students, however, since our schools were closed for break, the Rome City School District will recognize this day tomorrow, Monday, April 17. Please wear purple tomorrow in recognition of our military families and students!</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: 400;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: 400;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWfyNRzducHDStPS1NeLiOP3zXkHAHexQtaTrtDCquisYB7AQwzaJbRVDR99j0J2dXsTGz_bHd5QvUnKuHBCMNNRJyDx1RsYdeXzds4dqILntf9HewXavC_LcUAQ800DpeOelyXz1vcEy6egZIUUuvsvbbxl2iKhJKS0jPZrkGgVtSNcHCjH-va5ptMA/s320/purpleuplogododea.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="290" data-original-width="320" height="181" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWfyNRzducHDStPS1NeLiOP3zXkHAHexQtaTrtDCquisYB7AQwzaJbRVDR99j0J2dXsTGz_bHd5QvUnKuHBCMNNRJyDx1RsYdeXzds4dqILntf9HewXavC_LcUAQ800DpeOelyXz1vcEy6egZIUUuvsvbbxl2iKhJKS0jPZrkGgVtSNcHCjH-va5ptMA/w200-h181/purpleuplogododea.png" width="200" /></a></div></span></span></div></h2><h2><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;">AREA Community Conversation</span></span></h2><h2><div style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400;"></div></h2><h2><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></span></h2><h2 style="text-align: right;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"></span></h2><h2 style="text-align: right;"><p style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></span></p></h2><h2 style="text-align: right;"><p style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: georgia; letter-spacing: 0.133333px;"></span></p></h2><h2 style="text-align: right;"><div style="font-size: medium; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-weight: 400;"></span></span></div></h2><h2 style="text-align: right;"><p style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"></span></span></p><p style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400; text-align: left;"><span><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"></span></span></span></p><p style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: georgia; white-space: pre-wrap;">Throughout the year, our Equity Task Force will be hosting a series of community conversations to learn more about the needs and desires of our students and community in the area of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. The conversations have been ongoing and have been held in various locations throughout the community. This coming Thursday evening, April 20, there will be the final community conversation of this school year at Jervis Library from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. We hope to see you there.</span></p></h2><h2 style="text-align: right;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;">Board of Education - Petitions Available</span></span></h2><h2><div style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400;"></div></h2><h2><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></span></h2><h2 style="text-align: right;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"></span></h2><h2 style="text-align: right;"><p style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"></span></span></p><p style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400; text-align: left;"><span><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"></span></span></span></p></h2><h2><p style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">This year, there are four (4) open seats on the Board of Education. All four of these seats will be available on July 1, 2023. The term limit for three of the open seats is three years, expiring on June 30, 2023 and the fourth seat is to complete the remainder of a term, which is one year expiring on June 30, 2024. Completed petitions must include one hundred (100) qualified signatures and must be returned to the business office of the district at 409 Bell Road, and are due back before 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, April 26, 2023. Petitions are available for pick up at the business office of the Rome City School District. Any questions regarding open seats for the Board of Education can be directed to the business office or the Board of Education President, Mr. Joe Mellace.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4dXWJO2pjKfuTOQLQM5ZaHD4k9R5QGbHMORE2MHNbuJ0KQH6Wa0oP91aEk1CNRtsBmYT3naiLuiCIszJLsYyMluw-5BPexYmV2obLXgEa1-P7g8dhVzlXo9nhknHEb_gt5Td3i30BwTEMapoWzD4EeB3BSrxjvlZA7eR0JbJFcVizc0uyOX-WQFFpJQ/s309/download%20(23).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="163" data-original-width="309" height="163" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4dXWJO2pjKfuTOQLQM5ZaHD4k9R5QGbHMORE2MHNbuJ0KQH6Wa0oP91aEk1CNRtsBmYT3naiLuiCIszJLsYyMluw-5BPexYmV2obLXgEa1-P7g8dhVzlXo9nhknHEb_gt5Td3i30BwTEMapoWzD4EeB3BSrxjvlZA7eR0JbJFcVizc0uyOX-WQFFpJQ/s1600/download%20(23).jpeg" width="309" /></a></div></h2></div>Peter Blakehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03034789886564801957noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1488338991939068129.post-8563371284938658602023-03-31T12:18:00.001-04:002023-03-31T12:21:57.064-04:00World Autism Day...<p><span style="font-family: georgia;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEhqcGKOi6vT_n1POXI0--t2p72PKnTeiz10tDI57MCfFwjBI9RTSedSXBKG-pZE0tbZnCGVRxdPKAIxpOmNN2HASeTSV5dV96A8e8PZVyVuPzGO1MN6KLYHq4OWUzS0tBv0BJsxmGGZqsxeSiq6eV9nz0Scdmpmpy56OJCHr8T5d9kqMN_uIQUJJRkQ/s316/download%20(43).jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="159" data-original-width="316" height="159" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEhqcGKOi6vT_n1POXI0--t2p72PKnTeiz10tDI57MCfFwjBI9RTSedSXBKG-pZE0tbZnCGVRxdPKAIxpOmNN2HASeTSV5dV96A8e8PZVyVuPzGO1MN6KLYHq4OWUzS0tBv0BJsxmGGZqsxeSiq6eV9nz0Scdmpmpy56OJCHr8T5d9kqMN_uIQUJJRkQ/s1600/download%20(43).jpeg" width="316" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br />April 2 is designated around the world as World Autism Awareness Day as we kick off the month of April, which is also Autism Awareness Month. <span style="background-color: white;">Autism, or autism spectrum disorder, refers to a broad range of conditions characterized by challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviors, speech and nonverbal communication. We know that there is not one form of autism but many subtypes, and each person with autism can have unique strengths and challenges. While there is no official known cause for autism, we do know that a combination of genetic and environmental factors influences the development of autism, and autism is often accompanied by medical issues such as gastrointestinal disorders, seizures and sleep disturbances. Currently, autism affects an estimated 1 in 36 children in the United States, compared to 20 years ago when the number was closer to 1 in 150 children. Even as more and more people are classified as autistic, the disorder is still as perplexing today as it was when it was founded. Given the uniqueness of each individual person, there is no doubt that autism is something that all humans can learn from as it truly is the intent of public education. With autism, each and every child has their unique characteristics that are very evident, mostly due to the reduced verbal ability of autistic children. However, all children have their own uniqueness and learning preferences, they just are not as visible. The reality of education is that we should be learning from our students with autism and applying the teaching tools necessary to help them grow, to all children. Over my 25 years in education, I have met many many extraordinary educators and families who have and work with autistic students. There has not been a single instance where I did not see pure joy on the faces and hearts of the children and adults in these classes. Beyond that, the skills gained by adults who work with our autistic children are second to none. If the adult is open to growth and learning themselves, there is not a day that will go by that you won't learn something from an autistic child. What was once thought to be a disorder that doomed a child to be "different" and "nonverbal" forever, has been reclassified into a way of life and renewed understanding of children through parents and educators alike advocating for their children. The growth in autistic children in the last 20 years is nothing short of amazing, and it is due to teachers and families all over the world refusing to accept less than for these amazing individuals. If you are a family who is learning to work with an autistic child, or an educator/staff member desiring to know more about autism, I would recommend the website <a href="https://www.autismspeaks.org/?utm_source=autismspeaks.org&utm_medium=text-link&utm_campaign=global-nav&utm_term=autismspeaks" target="_blank"><span style="color: #ffa400;">Autism Speaks</span></a> as a wonderful resource. Autism is here to stay, and while we know little about the causes, it doesn't really matter if we all continue to learn and grow together with the people of autism in our lives. Thank you to all of our families, teachers, support staff, and STUDENTS with autism who have helped us learn and grow together. We are honored and fortunate to work with you every day and have you share your joy of life with us. </span></span><p></p><div><h2 style="text-align: right;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Go Home Early Drill</span></h2><h2 style="text-align: right;"><div style="font-size: medium; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><div><span><span><span style="font-weight: 400;">Each year, schools in New York State are required to conduct what is called a "go home early" drill. In our region, schools attempt to have this event occur on the same day to minimize disruptions for our local BOCES. This year, the go-home early drill will be occurring on </span>Thursday</span><span style="font-weight: 400;">, April 6</span><span style="font-weight: 400;">. For this drill, students will be dismissed from school 15 minutes earlier than regularly scheduled. Please make sure that necessary arrangements are made for students to arrive home from school earlier on that day.</span></span></div></span></div></h2><h2><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;">Spring Break Reminder</span></span></h2><h2><div style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400;"></div></h2><h2><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></span></h2><h2 style="text-align: right;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"></span></h2><h2 style="text-align: right;"><p style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></span></p></h2><h2 style="text-align: right;"><p style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: georgia; letter-spacing: 0.133333px;"></span></p></h2><h2 style="text-align: right;"><div style="font-size: medium; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-weight: 400;"></span></span></div></h2><h2 style="text-align: right;"><p style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"></span></span></p><p style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400; text-align: left;"><span><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"></span></span></span></p><p style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;">As a reminder, schools will be closed for instruction from Friday, April 7 through Friday, April 14. Schools will resume classes on Monday, April 17. Enjoy your Spring Break!</span></span></p></h2><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><h2 style="text-align: right;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;">Foundation Aid ThoughtExchange</span></span></h2><h2><div style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400;"></div></h2><h2><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></span></h2><h2 style="text-align: right;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"></span></h2><h2 style="text-align: right;"><p style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"></span></span></p><p style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400; text-align: left;"><span><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"></span></span></span></p><p style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; white-space: pre-wrap;">As part of the State's budget requirements, school districts that received an increase in State Foundation Aid of more than $10 million or received a 10% increase in State Aid from the prior year must complete a plan for the expenditure of the funds, allow public input into the plan, and post the plan on their website while submitting to the State Education Department. In an effort to complete this task, the district is currently running a ThoughtExchange to gain feedback from the public on the topic. Our exchange will be open until Wednesday, April 9. To participate in the exchange, please visit our website here: </span><span style="font-family: georgia; white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="https://tejoin.com/scroll/646341588"><span style="color: #ffa400;">https://tejoin.com/scroll/646341588</span></a>.</span></p></h2><h2><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;">Board of Education - Petitions Available</span></span></h2><h2><div style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400;"></div></h2><h2><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></span></h2><h2 style="text-align: right;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"></span></h2><h2 style="text-align: right;"><p style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"></span></span></p><p style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400; text-align: left;"><span><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"></span></span></span></p></h2><h2><p style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">This year, there are four (4) open seats on the Board of Education. All four of these seats will be available on July 1, 2023. The term limit for three of the open seats is three years, expiring on June 30, 2023 and the fourth seat is to complete the remainder of a term, which is one year expiring on June 30, 2024. Completed petitions must include one hundred (100) qualified signatures and must be returned to the business office of the district at 409 Bell Road, and are due back before 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, April 26, 2023. Petitions are available for pick up at the business office of the Rome City School District. Any questions regarding open seats for the Board of Education can be directed to the business office or the Board of Education President, Mr. Joe Mellace.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4dXWJO2pjKfuTOQLQM5ZaHD4k9R5QGbHMORE2MHNbuJ0KQH6Wa0oP91aEk1CNRtsBmYT3naiLuiCIszJLsYyMluw-5BPexYmV2obLXgEa1-P7g8dhVzlXo9nhknHEb_gt5Td3i30BwTEMapoWzD4EeB3BSrxjvlZA7eR0JbJFcVizc0uyOX-WQFFpJQ/s309/download%20(23).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="163" data-original-width="309" height="163" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4dXWJO2pjKfuTOQLQM5ZaHD4k9R5QGbHMORE2MHNbuJ0KQH6Wa0oP91aEk1CNRtsBmYT3naiLuiCIszJLsYyMluw-5BPexYmV2obLXgEa1-P7g8dhVzlXo9nhknHEb_gt5Td3i30BwTEMapoWzD4EeB3BSrxjvlZA7eR0JbJFcVizc0uyOX-WQFFpJQ/s1600/download%20(23).jpeg" width="309" /></a></div></h2><h2 style="text-align: right;"><br /></h2></div>Peter Blakehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03034789886564801957noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1488338991939068129.post-84169347739928108882023-03-25T23:00:00.005-04:002023-03-25T23:00:58.696-04:00Thrive And Grow...<p><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfOFBIWzCyTqjt-NtaKcYXR7tse-dwN07wurA3wWK_XQEyUn-eyhabe4v8dgnNzqlHuLGQsh20B_TWqh5VcEKjFXXlwXOG0jfb2QlU3dlCVoGkwEx4NW3eaZBlb8H2dl6qUFgFXnfycWeq1wrjV3Bcm9X_yp0gqviHnUPaTHuLnS9zyeP30Y3_ziXHjg/s442/1633470923031.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="418" data-original-width="442" height="189" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfOFBIWzCyTqjt-NtaKcYXR7tse-dwN07wurA3wWK_XQEyUn-eyhabe4v8dgnNzqlHuLGQsh20B_TWqh5VcEKjFXXlwXOG0jfb2QlU3dlCVoGkwEx4NW3eaZBlb8H2dl6qUFgFXnfycWeq1wrjV3Bcm9X_yp0gqviHnUPaTHuLnS9zyeP30Y3_ziXHjg/w200-h189/1633470923031.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br />When you think back to being a student (either k-12 or college), how often can you recall an adult telling you that something can't be done? Many times, when an adult tells a child that something can't be done it crushes their imagination and spirit. Yes, there are occasions when being told we can't accomplish a goal or a task creates additional desire to achieve. However, most people tend to lose self esteem in the face of being told they aren't good enough. Or maybe the commentary doesn't even have to be that harsh. Sometimes simply telling someone that they can't succeed because someone else has already tried and failed can produce detrimental results. In that scenario, we are just trying to provide some adult guidance based on our experiences and knowledge. But, what most adults fail to realize is that our experiences and knowledge do not have the direct impact on the ability of a child to achieve their dreams that we generally hope they do. If you take a moment to look around the room you are in right now, regardless of where you are, you will find a room filled with inventions that have become mainstream for us because somewhere in history an individual was allowed to let their thoughts and visions thrive. Today's generation of youth have a much deeper understanding of the world around them than any other in history. Due to technology, we are able to keep on almost instantaneous pulse on the entire globe. This exposure to life leads children to have a much more inquisitive brain. We are no longer relying on the teachings of our parents and schools to shape our minds. We have access to ideas, problems, and successes from all over the world. Our students are smarter than we realize, despite what some silly standardized test that was created by adults 40 years older than the students they are creating the tests for. I would love to see what a standardized test created by a child might look like? I imagine that the creativity and relevance to their actual worlds would be significantly increased compared to a traditional test. Further, I would imagine most adults would laugh at such a test simply because we couldn't see the forest through the trees. Our children have the ability to do amazing things, see amazing things, and create amazing things. It's our responsibility as adults to let them thrive. Let our children use their imaginations to create the next world changing invention. Most importantly, let our children thrive so that we can learn from them. When our children thrive, they grow. And when they grow, we all grow as a result.<p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><h2 style="text-align: right;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;">Foundation Aid ThoughtExchange</span></span></h2><h2><div style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400;"></div></h2><h2><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></span></h2><h2 style="text-align: right;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"></span></h2><h2 style="text-align: right;"><p style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"></span></span></p><p style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400; text-align: left;"><span><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"></span></span></span></p><p style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; white-space: pre-wrap;">As part of the State's budget requirements, school districts that received an increase in State Foundation Aid of more than $10 million or received a 10% increase in State Aid from the prior year must complete a plan for the expenditure of the funds, allow public input into the plan, and post the plan on their website while submitting to the State Education Department. In an effort to complete this task, the district is currently running a ThoughtExchange to gain feedback from the public on the topic. Our exchange will be open until Wednesday, April 9. To participate in the exchange, please visit our website here: </span><span style="font-family: georgia; white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="https://tejoin.com/scroll/646341588"><span style="color: #ffa400;">https://tejoin.com/scroll/646341588</span></a>.</span></p></h2><h2><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;">Souper Bowl Event</span></span></h2><h2><div style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400;"></div></h2><h2><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></span></h2><h2 style="text-align: right;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"></span></h2><h2 style="text-align: right;"><p style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></span></p></h2><h2 style="text-align: right;"><p style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: georgia; letter-spacing: 0.133333px;"></span></p></h2><h2 style="text-align: right;"><p style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"></span></span></p><p style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400; text-align: left;"><span><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"></span></span></span></p><p style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;">On Wednesday, March 29, the RFA Art Club will be hosting a combination craft fair and art show, all with food, called the Souper Bowl. The event will run from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. in the RFA cafeteria. There are small fees associated to different activities and you have the opportunity to take home a handmade ceramic soup bowl made by a local artisan. For more information, please visit our website at: </span></span><span style="font-family: georgia; white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="https://www.romecsd.org/article/1039196"><span style="color: #ffa400;">https://www.romecsd.org/article/1039196</span></a>. </span></p><p style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400; text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkR9ZbPhRZkih7RRs_8XSRCaNX4JemIYINoFoTU3mIM5ksXUXQMKcgFbwfp_fhdmCttdkc1Nip1Iw1Z5LFs9LiT3Hc58JW5jPM2p4nph9HWhpSxtmkkDlhj8jgaTR4Gxe2YSvRhiQqBafryGjz2g3UZ_YblHg7joalWvcJay5hqT3gdDVyR1bobXTj3A/s1000/large_91701cb1-7ab0-4c2d-a743-a84d276c6acd.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="805" data-original-width="1000" height="258" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkR9ZbPhRZkih7RRs_8XSRCaNX4JemIYINoFoTU3mIM5ksXUXQMKcgFbwfp_fhdmCttdkc1Nip1Iw1Z5LFs9LiT3Hc58JW5jPM2p4nph9HWhpSxtmkkDlhj8jgaTR4Gxe2YSvRhiQqBafryGjz2g3UZ_YblHg7joalWvcJay5hqT3gdDVyR1bobXTj3A/s320/large_91701cb1-7ab0-4c2d-a743-a84d276c6acd.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p></h2><h2 style="text-align: right;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;">Women in Manufacturing</span></span></h2><h2><div style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400;"></div></h2><h2><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></span></h2><h2 style="text-align: right;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"></span></h2><h2 style="text-align: right;"><p style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></span></p></h2><h2 style="text-align: right;"><p style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: georgia; letter-spacing: 0.133333px;"></span></p></h2><h2 style="text-align: right;"><p style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"></span></span></p><p style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400; text-align: left;"><span><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"></span></span></span></p><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">In collaboration with MACNY and Working Solutions, MVCC is offering a training program for women to introduce them to manufacturing. The course will begin May 1 and is 12 weeks long. It is offered 2 nights per week and upon completion, participants will receive $1,000! One of the nights is online and the other night is in person on the Utica Campus. The course will provide information on manufacturing and help students to obtain a job at the end. It will also help with support services if anything like transportation, day care or work clothes is needed. For more information, please visit their website at: </span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-weight: 400;"><a href="https://www.macny.org/women-in-the-workforce/"><span style="color: #ffa400;">https://www.macny.org/women-in-the-workforce/</span></a>. </span></span></div></h2><h2><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;">Board of Education - Petitions Available</span></span></h2><h2><div style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400;"></div></h2><h2><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></span></h2><h2 style="text-align: right;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"></span></h2><h2 style="text-align: right;"><p style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"></span></span></p><p style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400; text-align: left;"><span><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"></span></span></span></p></h2><h2><p style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">This year, there are four (4) open seats on the Board of Education. All four of these seats will be available on July 1, 2023. The term limit for three of the open seats is three years, expiring on June 30, 2023 and the fourth seat is to complete the remainder of a term, which is one year expiring on June 30, 2024. Completed petitions must include one hundred (100) qualified signatures and must be returned to the business office of the district at 409 Bell Road, and are due back before 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, April 26, 2023. Petitions are available for pick up at the business office of the Rome City School District. Any questions regarding open seats for the Board of Education can be directed to the business office or the Board of Education President, Mr. Joe Mellace.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4dXWJO2pjKfuTOQLQM5ZaHD4k9R5QGbHMORE2MHNbuJ0KQH6Wa0oP91aEk1CNRtsBmYT3naiLuiCIszJLsYyMluw-5BPexYmV2obLXgEa1-P7g8dhVzlXo9nhknHEb_gt5Td3i30BwTEMapoWzD4EeB3BSrxjvlZA7eR0JbJFcVizc0uyOX-WQFFpJQ/s309/download%20(23).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="163" data-original-width="309" height="163" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4dXWJO2pjKfuTOQLQM5ZaHD4k9R5QGbHMORE2MHNbuJ0KQH6Wa0oP91aEk1CNRtsBmYT3naiLuiCIszJLsYyMluw-5BPexYmV2obLXgEa1-P7g8dhVzlXo9nhknHEb_gt5Td3i30BwTEMapoWzD4EeB3BSrxjvlZA7eR0JbJFcVizc0uyOX-WQFFpJQ/s1600/download%20(23).jpeg" width="309" /></a></div></h2><h2 style="text-align: right;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Go Home Early Drill</span></h2><h2 style="text-align: right;"><div style="font-size: medium; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><div><span><span><span style="font-weight: 400;">Each year, schools in New York State are required to conduct what is called a "go home early" drill. In our region, schools attempt to have this event occur on the same day to minimize disruptions for our local BOCES. This year, the go-home early drill will be occurring on </span>Thursday</span><b style="font-weight: 400;">, April 6</b><span style="font-weight: 400;">. For this drill, students will be dismissed from school 15 minutes earlier than regularly scheduled. Please make sure that necessary arrangements are made for students to arrive home from school earlier on that day.</span></span></div></span></div></h2>Peter Blakehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03034789886564801957noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1488338991939068129.post-11779164010673444582023-03-19T09:12:00.001-04:002023-03-19T09:12:19.446-04:00It Was Done...<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvFRQ6Oje4IaTIhDXJjUYQFKWflTGDZRSW3J5Fo5XjCLVYRbBBX5TCGsdFvIYXLQMmStd1vM5LSzVqY0IKD7nEOu6nofdC2enU7TP-TyRn0WJAK7EGBLnG4AST5HMh-c-2F6tFPmpRw2lJN1YDHmbQHJPR4jOhCXrbjptqL7hX2z9mb71DAvVlUivz9g/s870/Picture41.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="504" data-original-width="870" height="185" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvFRQ6Oje4IaTIhDXJjUYQFKWflTGDZRSW3J5Fo5XjCLVYRbBBX5TCGsdFvIYXLQMmStd1vM5LSzVqY0IKD7nEOu6nofdC2enU7TP-TyRn0WJAK7EGBLnG4AST5HMh-c-2F6tFPmpRw2lJN1YDHmbQHJPR4jOhCXrbjptqL7hX2z9mb71DAvVlUivz9g/s320/Picture41.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /> <span style="font-family: georgia;">In recent weeks, the Rome City School District has learned that two of our elementary schools have worked their way off of the NYS schools in need of improvement list. Congratulations to John Joy Elementary and Denti Elementary schools who have effectively worked together to improve student achievement and outcomes. In many cases, working your way off of one of these lists is a task that many say cannot be done. If you're ever bored and enjoy doing some research, take a look at the schools on the State's list every year and you will notice that very little changes from year to year. In many cases, once on the list, you can make continuous progress every year and never come off the list. The main reason for this is that no matter what, the State identifies 5% of all schools to be in need of improvement each year. So even if you double your academic performance in any given year, you could still be on the list if you fall into the bottom 5%. When you think about that, it makes the accomplishment of Joy and Denti all the greater!! Not only did they improve, but they also improved at such a rate that they surpassed schools that were not on the list, to begin with. Due to the sliding scale, you not only have to outperform your history, but you also have to outperform others who started ahead of you. Similar to starting a race after others are already running. Not only do you have to catch up, but you also have to pass others. The students, teachers, support staff, leaders, and families of both Joy and Denti have a lot to be proud of, and we are proud of them. Over the last few years, they have all worked tremendously hard, in the face of many adversities, to stay focused on improving their students. The education profession has arguably never been more challenging than it is today, and these professionals have gone above and beyond to see to it that children are growing each and every day. Beyond Joy and Denti, this is the standard for all of our schools and we are fortunate to have amazing educators in each of our schools doing great things every day with our students. Working your way off of these lists is something that many people thought couldn't be done, and oftentimes felt that no matter it couldn't be done. Thank you to our Joy and Denti staff members who have proven that this isn't true. It was done!! Congratulations!!</span><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><h2 style="text-align: right;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;">Congratulations Coach Swave</span></span></h2><h2><div style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400;"></div></h2><h2><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></span></h2><h2 style="text-align: right;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"></span></h2><h2 style="text-align: right;"><p style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"></span></span></p><p style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400; text-align: left;"><span><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"></span></span></span></p><p style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="background-color: white;">Congratulations to RFA physical education teacher and coach, Ted Swavely, who has been named the 2023 New York State AHPERD Central North Zone Professional of the Year!! Awarded by the Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance, this award goes to a single individual each year who is recognized as an extraordinary leader. Coach has recognized and advanced students, programs, and initiatives within the field of physical education. Thank you and congratulations Coach for everything you have done for our students and community!!</span></span></p></h2><h2><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;">Souper Bowl Event</span></span></h2><h2><div style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400;"></div></h2><h2><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></span></h2><h2 style="text-align: right;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"></span></h2><h2 style="text-align: right;"><p style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></span></p></h2><h2 style="text-align: right;"><p style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: georgia; letter-spacing: 0.133333px;"></span></p></h2><h2 style="text-align: right;"><p style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"></span></span></p><p style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400; text-align: left;"><span><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"></span></span></span></p><p style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;">On Wednesday, March 29, the RFA Art Club will be hosting a combination craft fair and art show, all with food, called the Souper Bowl. The event will run from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. in the RFA cafeteria. There are small fees associated to different activities and you have the opportunity to take home a handmade ceramic soup bowl made by a local artisan. For more information, please visit our website at: </span></span><span style="font-family: georgia; white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="https://www.romecsd.org/article/1039196"><span style="color: #ffa400;">https://www.romecsd.org/article/1039196</span></a>. </span></p><p style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400; text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkR9ZbPhRZkih7RRs_8XSRCaNX4JemIYINoFoTU3mIM5ksXUXQMKcgFbwfp_fhdmCttdkc1Nip1Iw1Z5LFs9LiT3Hc58JW5jPM2p4nph9HWhpSxtmkkDlhj8jgaTR4Gxe2YSvRhiQqBafryGjz2g3UZ_YblHg7joalWvcJay5hqT3gdDVyR1bobXTj3A/s1000/large_91701cb1-7ab0-4c2d-a743-a84d276c6acd.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="805" data-original-width="1000" height="258" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkR9ZbPhRZkih7RRs_8XSRCaNX4JemIYINoFoTU3mIM5ksXUXQMKcgFbwfp_fhdmCttdkc1Nip1Iw1Z5LFs9LiT3Hc58JW5jPM2p4nph9HWhpSxtmkkDlhj8jgaTR4Gxe2YSvRhiQqBafryGjz2g3UZ_YblHg7joalWvcJay5hqT3gdDVyR1bobXTj3A/s320/large_91701cb1-7ab0-4c2d-a743-a84d276c6acd.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p></h2><h2 style="text-align: right;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;">2023-2024 Calendar</span></span></h2><h2><div style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400;"></div></h2><h2><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></span></h2><h2 style="text-align: right;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"></span></h2><h2 style="text-align: right;"><p style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></span></p></h2><h2 style="text-align: right;"><p style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: georgia; letter-spacing: 0.133333px;"></span></p></h2><h2 style="text-align: right;"><p style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"></span></span></p><p style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400; text-align: left;"><span><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"></span></span></span></p><p style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: georgia;">The 2023-2024 school calendar was approved last week by the Board of Education. To see the calendar for next year, please visit our website at: </span><a href="https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/2645/RCSD/2837308/2023-24_School_Calendar.pdf" style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="color: #ffa400;">https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/2645/RCSD/2837308/2023-24_School_Calendar.pdf</span></a><span style="font-family: georgia;">.</span></p></h2><h2 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;">Board of Education - Petitions Available</span></span></h2><h2><div style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400;"></div></h2><h2><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></span></h2><h2 style="text-align: right;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"></span></h2><h2 style="text-align: right;"><p style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"></span></span></p><p style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400; text-align: left;"><span><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"></span></span></span></p></h2><h2><p style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">This year, there are four (4) open seats on the Board of Education. All four of these seats will be available on July 1, 2023. The term limit for three of the open seats is three years, expiring on June 30, 2023 and the fourth seat is to complete the remainder of a term, which is one year expiring on June 30, 2024. Completed petitions must include one hundred (100) qualified signatures and must be returned to the business office of the district at 409 Bell Road, and are due back before 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, April 26, 2023. Petitions are available for pick up at the business office of the Rome City School District. Any questions regarding open seats for the Board of Education can be directed to the business office or the Board of Education President, Mr. Joe Mellace.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4dXWJO2pjKfuTOQLQM5ZaHD4k9R5QGbHMORE2MHNbuJ0KQH6Wa0oP91aEk1CNRtsBmYT3naiLuiCIszJLsYyMluw-5BPexYmV2obLXgEa1-P7g8dhVzlXo9nhknHEb_gt5Td3i30BwTEMapoWzD4EeB3BSrxjvlZA7eR0JbJFcVizc0uyOX-WQFFpJQ/s309/download%20(23).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="163" data-original-width="309" height="163" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4dXWJO2pjKfuTOQLQM5ZaHD4k9R5QGbHMORE2MHNbuJ0KQH6Wa0oP91aEk1CNRtsBmYT3naiLuiCIszJLsYyMluw-5BPexYmV2obLXgEa1-P7g8dhVzlXo9nhknHEb_gt5Td3i30BwTEMapoWzD4EeB3BSrxjvlZA7eR0JbJFcVizc0uyOX-WQFFpJQ/s1600/download%20(23).jpeg" width="309" /></a></div></h2><h2><br /></h2><h2 style="text-align: right;"><p style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></h2>Peter Blakehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03034789886564801957noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1488338991939068129.post-26529225352797629642023-03-12T10:03:00.008-04:002023-03-13T11:15:42.031-04:00Do You Know...<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgemBXFuEZv1JiZLrLmxG7s0aKIpEUGu-7cU3DaHeIo8G04-5UidzAwfyJO6pS5hZPr5MVVjjTSbSjiVx4IlhgG8YsGDEspxRrc4F6h2bPLLQe1Q1ejo1EGbNE9fG--Ew2vok2IvZj7qYVN_U6lLMS5s0z9RUAtiNDvLCrU8Y57vI6RvhSt132VFJHnvw/s276/download%20(3).jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="182" data-original-width="276" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgemBXFuEZv1JiZLrLmxG7s0aKIpEUGu-7cU3DaHeIo8G04-5UidzAwfyJO6pS5hZPr5MVVjjTSbSjiVx4IlhgG8YsGDEspxRrc4F6h2bPLLQe1Q1ejo1EGbNE9fG--Ew2vok2IvZj7qYVN_U6lLMS5s0z9RUAtiNDvLCrU8Y57vI6RvhSt132VFJHnvw/s16000/download%20(3).jpeg" /></a></div><br /> <span style="font-family: georgia;"><span>This past week, I had the opportunity to meet with the Oneida County Opioid Task Force and Superintendents around the region. While the purpose of our meeting was to discuss the addition of Narcan/naloxone to area schools, the majority of our time wound up being spent on discussing real stories and experiences from the field related to addiction, of many kinds. We all know the old adage that everyone knows someone that has struggled with addiction of some kind, but the relevance for folks seems to be increasing. The stories that were shared and the topics discussed left me thinking as a parent and an educator, "what do we really know about what our kids are doing and are into?" It felt like something from a movie. Seeing an emoji chart that shows how kids communicate about drug acquisition and/or use purely through emojis (<a href="https://www.dea.gov/sites/default/files/2021-12/Emoji%20Decoded.pdf)"><span style="color: #ffa400;">https://www.dea.gov/sites/default/files/2021-12/Emoji%20Decoded.pdf)</span></a>. Or learning that there are websites that exist to help individuals learn more about drugs and know how to mix drugs based on a person's height and weight so that they can obtain the greatest high without possibly overdosing. Law enforcement makes it sound like a drug bible (<a href="http://www.erowid.org"><span style="color: #ffa400;">www.erowid.org</span></a>). The reality is that with the inclusion of fentanyl into the drug scene, the concept of dabbling for kids is not what it was when many parents experimented in their day. Authorities are finding fentanyl in everything today, including marijuana and vapes. It is more important than ever that parents, families, friends, and schools are communicating with each other and their kids about warning signs or concerns. Kids in 2023 are dealing with so much more ongoing perceived pressure from the real world that if we don't start taking the approach of thinking that we don't know what's going on with them, we are failing our kids. No matter how good the parent or how good the community is, we don't know everything that is going on with our kids. As adults, it is our responsibility to create an environment where kids feel comfortable talking to us, and we have to feel comfortable making our kids uncomfortable and talking to them. There is a fine line there, but kids need to know their parents and families as people, not just grown-ups. The facts are, no one knows what any other individual is experiencing, thinking, or going through, and the only way to support each other and our kids is to talk to them. The stronger you can build the bond and the more you can learn/know about what they are interested in and what society is throwing at them, the better chance they have. Society is a rapidly changing world, and it is difficult as an adult to keep up. But we owe it to our kids to do our best to understand the perils that the world is and will throw at them. You will not regret trying to learn more about what you perceive as not being a threat to your kids, because ultimately, how much do we really know about what our kids have access to? </span></span><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><h2 style="text-align: right;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;">Calendar Reminder</span></span></h2><h2><div style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400;"></div></h2><h2><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></span></h2><h2 style="text-align: right;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"></span></h2><h2 style="text-align: right;"><p style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"></span></span></p><p style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400; text-align: left;"><span><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"></span></span></span></p><p style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: georgia;">This coming week, all students have a half-day of learning on Thursday, March 16 and a full day off on Friday, March 17 as a Superintendent's Conference Day. For more information, including dismissal times, please contact your child's school.</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: georgia; letter-spacing: 0.133333px;"> </span></p></h2><h2 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;">2023-2024 Calendar</span></span></h2><h2><div style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400;"></div></h2><h2><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></span></h2><h2 style="text-align: right;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"></span></h2><h2 style="text-align: right;"><p style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></span></p></h2><h2 style="text-align: right;"><p style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: georgia; letter-spacing: 0.133333px;"></span></p></h2><h2 style="text-align: right;"><p style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"></span></span></p><p style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400; text-align: left;"><span><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"></span></span></span></p><p style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: georgia;">The 2023-2024 school calendar was approved last week by the Board of Education. To see the calendar for next year, please visit our website at: </span><a href="https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/2645/RCSD/2837308/2023-24_School_Calendar.pdf" style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="color: #ffa400;">https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/2645/RCSD/2837308/2023-24_School_Calendar.pdf</span></a><span style="font-family: georgia;">.</span></p></h2><h2 style="text-align: right;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;">Board of Education - Petitions Available</span></span></h2><h2><div style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400;"></div></h2><h2><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></span></h2><h2 style="text-align: right;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"></span></h2><h2 style="text-align: right;"><p style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"></span></span></p><p style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400; text-align: left;"><span><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"></span></span></span></p></h2><h2><p style="font-weight: 400; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">This year, there are four (4) open seats on the Board of Education. All four of these seats will be available on July 1, 2023. The term limit for three of the open seats is three years, expiring on June 30, 2023 and the fourth seat is to complete the remainder of a term, which is one year expiring on June 30, 2024. Completed petitions must include one hundred (100) qualified signatures and must be returned to the business office of the district at 409 Bell Road, and are due back before 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, April 26, 2023. Petitions are available for pick up at the business office of the Rome City School District. Any questions regarding open seats for the Board of Education can be directed to the business office or the Board of Education President, Mr. Joe Mellace.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4dXWJO2pjKfuTOQLQM5ZaHD4k9R5QGbHMORE2MHNbuJ0KQH6Wa0oP91aEk1CNRtsBmYT3naiLuiCIszJLsYyMluw-5BPexYmV2obLXgEa1-P7g8dhVzlXo9nhknHEb_gt5Td3i30BwTEMapoWzD4EeB3BSrxjvlZA7eR0JbJFcVizc0uyOX-WQFFpJQ/s309/download%20(23).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="163" data-original-width="309" height="163" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4dXWJO2pjKfuTOQLQM5ZaHD4k9R5QGbHMORE2MHNbuJ0KQH6Wa0oP91aEk1CNRtsBmYT3naiLuiCIszJLsYyMluw-5BPexYmV2obLXgEa1-P7g8dhVzlXo9nhknHEb_gt5Td3i30BwTEMapoWzD4EeB3BSrxjvlZA7eR0JbJFcVizc0uyOX-WQFFpJQ/s1600/download%20(23).jpeg" width="309" /></a></div></h2><h2 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;">Buddies Only!</span></span></h2><h2><div style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400;"></div></h2><h2><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></span></h2><h2 style="text-align: right;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"></span></h2><h2 style="text-align: right;"><p style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></span></p></h2><h2 style="text-align: right;"><p style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"></span></span></p><p style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400; text-align: left;"><span><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"></span></span></span></p><p style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;">The Rome YMCA is starting a new program for students and families that are interested in building positive social skills. The group is geared to helping students and families in navigating school stressors such as bullying by providing a safe, supportive, and structured setting to share their experiences with common challenges school students cope with daily. For more information about this group, please see their flier here: <a href="https://www.romecsd.org/article/1024007"><span style="color: #ffa400;">https://www.romecsd.org/article/1024007</span></a>. </span></span></p><p style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh-8TljqRCY3iXef4hH6M-_VmKvTt9LH1Y2G_nUDSaDrjdFHS0TIXOdl0XlcG6F8dKde-BXBwMzuHDQcKZ3p_4sFFwZrDayrV6bl21GMhTu6EWTO8DRd_uOsqOC7Sqbp0ve6pHKLj8hMFe3b_DAgz3s0eZL1gYd0qMK6fSQrqqR0FmLqvIv3uqbTxZvQ/s226/images.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="223" data-original-width="226" height="197" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh-8TljqRCY3iXef4hH6M-_VmKvTt9LH1Y2G_nUDSaDrjdFHS0TIXOdl0XlcG6F8dKde-BXBwMzuHDQcKZ3p_4sFFwZrDayrV6bl21GMhTu6EWTO8DRd_uOsqOC7Sqbp0ve6pHKLj8hMFe3b_DAgz3s0eZL1gYd0qMK6fSQrqqR0FmLqvIv3uqbTxZvQ/w200-h197/images.jpeg" width="200" /></a></span></div><p></p></h2><h2><br /></h2><h2 style="text-align: right;"><p style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: georgia;">.</span></p></h2><h2 style="text-align: right;"><p></p></h2><h2 style="text-align: right;"><br /></h2><h2 style="text-align: right;"><div style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div></h2>Peter Blakehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03034789886564801957noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1488338991939068129.post-19529192540469251892023-03-05T09:20:00.000-05:002023-03-05T09:20:06.351-05:00Thanks Social Workers...<p><span style="font-family: georgia;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ7B4MiIJ4GKLDAGjQCZYjtvyqG7CKMAnGsg0CnhGHlp0RmLG71SgO_OKbQmPBL_RZj5P3KLCaUGMiBZtTyRf5FC3vuw91SAmq81b4U7KQfDlEOv4E62ob73ZN5bf6f6WszYVHNnyVRcifrsvSneNufPXJvKr7CSiIqWD3oggDF-grDrHkWEHoS2BSKQ/s1080/SSW%20week%202023_instagram.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ7B4MiIJ4GKLDAGjQCZYjtvyqG7CKMAnGsg0CnhGHlp0RmLG71SgO_OKbQmPBL_RZj5P3KLCaUGMiBZtTyRf5FC3vuw91SAmq81b4U7KQfDlEOv4E62ob73ZN5bf6f6WszYVHNnyVRcifrsvSneNufPXJvKr7CSiIqWD3oggDF-grDrHkWEHoS2BSKQ/w200-h200/SSW%20week%202023_instagram.png" width="200" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /> <span>This week marks National School Social Worker week throughout our country. The first full week of </span>March has been dedicated to school social workers through the efforts of </span><span style="font-family: georgia;">the School Social Work Association of America (SSWAA). The week is</span><span style="font-family: georgia;"> an opportunity for schools,
communities, and partners to acknowledge and recognize the impactful work that our social workers do to
support students, families, and their communities. This week-long celebration should emphasize school social work contributions such as focusing on the
“whole child”, linking families to community resources, being a valuable voice as part of the
school’s multi-disciplinary team, and advocating for the profession of school social work.
The theme for National School Social Work Week 2023 is “We Rise.” During the school
year, school social workers are confronted with challenges, heightened anxieties, and
anticipated difficulties. However, these individuals face these challenges with
strength and resilience. Our team of social workers rise up to support their students,
families, and school communities. School social workers rise to share hope. They rise
to listen and understand. They rise to challenge inequities. They rise to support all
students. Each and every one of them is a vital part of our district's and community's mental health support process and team. Given everything that our students, families, and staff have been through in recent years, there is no shortage of need for the work that these folks perform each and every week. This week, take a moment to rise up with them and thank them for everything that they are doing to help our school community. </span><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><h2 style="text-align: right;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;">Congratulations Athletes</span></span></h2><h2><div style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400;"></div></h2><h2><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></span></h2><h2 style="text-align: right;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"></span></h2><h2 style="text-align: right;"><p style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"></span></span></p><p style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400; text-align: left;"><span><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"></span></span></span></p><p style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: georgia;">Congratulations to all of our Winter sports scholar-athletes and teams! </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: georgia; letter-spacing: 0.1pt;">The NYSPHSAA has released the list of scholar-athletes and teams for the Winter 2022-2023 season. Our Scholar Teams for the Winter 2022-2023 season include: Girls Varsity Bowling coached by Bryan Rondeau, Boys Varsity Ice Hockey coached by Jason Nowicki, Alpine Ski Co-Ed coached by Melissa O'Rourke, Girls Varsity Indoor Track coached by Nick Jeror, Boys Varsity Swimming and Diving coached by Michelle Browne, Girls Varsity Volleyball coached by Pete Keoviengsamay, and Boys Varsity Volleyball coached by Patrick Herron. In total, across all sports, we had 79 students achieve the Scholar-Athlete distinction. Individual awards are given to any student who has a cumulative GPA of 90% or higher; while t</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: georgia; letter-spacing: 0.133333px;">eam awards are given to teams that have 75% of the roster achieving a GPA of 90% or better.</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: georgia; letter-spacing: 0.133333px;"> </span></p><p></p></h2><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9srFlIpKKkgQYIeYzM3Xc1s0pQHynKavufxfbyEAMUuS95MeW78Vi8yIG1wHhQ76alUTiyN3xySq1JDKK3ZwZJ-GhJwMvQmCPMQUFOXaYcNGKMBafNeL9CsZsXb7Pc558CknZsoDNM2AKHDggQuw8gEutqd69hZ7gx8bbIlF0bvfTIShwz8B4GUlnJg/s287/download.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="287" data-original-width="176" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9srFlIpKKkgQYIeYzM3Xc1s0pQHynKavufxfbyEAMUuS95MeW78Vi8yIG1wHhQ76alUTiyN3xySq1JDKK3ZwZJ-GhJwMvQmCPMQUFOXaYcNGKMBafNeL9CsZsXb7Pc558CknZsoDNM2AKHDggQuw8gEutqd69hZ7gx8bbIlF0bvfTIShwz8B4GUlnJg/w123-h200/download.jpeg" width="123" /></a></div><h2><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;">DCIP Survey </span></span></h2><h2><div style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400;"></div></h2><h2><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></span></h2><h2 style="text-align: right;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"></span></h2><h2 style="text-align: right;"><p style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"></span></span></p><p style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400; text-align: left;"><span><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"></span></span></span></p><p style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;">The district is currently seeking feedback on our District's Comprehensive Improvement Plan, Priority One, which is: <i>The Rome City School District commits to providing an engaging, relevant, and inclusive curriculum for all students. </i>We ask that you please take a few minutes to provide your feedback by taking the following survey: <a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdEeC8U79MBkxZ2YwrKY-WHerZaagCtOj1IdRozLUI0lFBlJw/viewform"><span style="color: #ffa400;">https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdEeC8U79MBkxZ2YwrKY-WHerZaagCtOj1IdRozLUI0lFBlJw/viewform</span></a>. </span></span></p></h2><h2 style="text-align: right;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;">Buddies Only!</span></span></h2><h2><div style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400;"></div></h2><h2><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></span></h2><h2 style="text-align: right;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"></span></h2><h2 style="text-align: right;"><p style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></span></p></h2><h2 style="text-align: right;"><p style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"></span></span></p><p style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400; text-align: left;"><span><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"></span></span></span></p><p style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;">The Rome YMCA is starting a new program for students and families that are interested in building positive social skills. The group is geared to helping students and families in navigating school stressors such as bullying by providing a safe, supportive, and structured setting to share their experiences with common challenges school students cope with daily. For more information about this group, please see their flier here: <a href="https://www.romecsd.org/article/1024007"><span style="color: #ffa400;">https://www.romecsd.org/article/1024007</span></a>. </span></span></p><p style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh-8TljqRCY3iXef4hH6M-_VmKvTt9LH1Y2G_nUDSaDrjdFHS0TIXOdl0XlcG6F8dKde-BXBwMzuHDQcKZ3p_4sFFwZrDayrV6bl21GMhTu6EWTO8DRd_uOsqOC7Sqbp0ve6pHKLj8hMFe3b_DAgz3s0eZL1gYd0qMK6fSQrqqR0FmLqvIv3uqbTxZvQ/s226/images.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="223" data-original-width="226" height="197" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh-8TljqRCY3iXef4hH6M-_VmKvTt9LH1Y2G_nUDSaDrjdFHS0TIXOdl0XlcG6F8dKde-BXBwMzuHDQcKZ3p_4sFFwZrDayrV6bl21GMhTu6EWTO8DRd_uOsqOC7Sqbp0ve6pHKLj8hMFe3b_DAgz3s0eZL1gYd0qMK6fSQrqqR0FmLqvIv3uqbTxZvQ/w200-h197/images.jpeg" width="200" /></a></span></div><p></p></h2><h2 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;">SELSI Survey - Round 2</span></span></h2><h2><div style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400;"></div></h2><h2><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></span></h2><h2 style="text-align: right;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"></span></h2><h2 style="text-align: right;"><p style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"></span></span></p><p style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400; text-align: left;"><span><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"></span></span></span></p><p style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">We are currently conducting our second round of the Social-Emotional Learning Skills Inventory survey for our students PreK-12 for the 2022-2023 school year. Last year we had tremendous success with this survey in learning where our students stand related to social/emotional needs. The goal is to learn more about adult perceptions as they relate to a student's resiliency and ensure that we as adults are not missing cues from students that are in need of social/emotional support. In the end, we as a community will be better equipped to support our students as we will have a better understanding of their needs. Parents are encouraged to take the survey as well to provide input on their own perceptions/beliefs of their students. To complete the survey, please use this link: <a href="http://www.surveymonkey.com/r/SELSI-W2023"><span style="color: #ffa400;">www.surveymonkey.com/r/SELSI-W2023</span></a>. </span></span></span><span style="text-align: right;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">You will need your student's ID number to participate which can be found in your parent portal account. The survey will be available until March 10.</span></span></p></h2><h2 style="text-align: right;"><p></p></h2><h2 style="text-align: right;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;">Kindergarten Registration</span></span></h2><h2><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;"><p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium; font-weight: 400; white-space: normal;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"></span></p><p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium; font-weight: 400; white-space: normal;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></span></p></span></span></h2><h2 style="text-align: right;"><div style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Kindergarten registration for the 2023-2024 school year will occur during the week of March 6 - March 10, at each individual elementary school. More information on the registration process and documents required for registration can be found at <a href="https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/2645/RCSD/2773814/2023-24_Kindergarten_Registration_Flyer.pdf"><span style="color: #ffa400;">https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/2645/RCSD/2773814/2023-24_Kindergarten_Registration_Flyer.pdf</span></a>. </span></div><div style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjiD5nwKOpCR7E9aF1bGbQ729yL81yeNg8jXWfck7usisjRdYwpfMgLSx3QCVatmj1alZIDUIQ0w8jNbVGl6wBzMQNz7g7Jv3Z78HVMlNLpQTvlv3We9DT6DtfqlqlKI1CeC0CVhfr_H8SGidg-QB5MEd8OzL8trjCNdO9dVs9771po2ebr8h25bfXOxw=s275" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="183" data-original-width="275" height="183" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjiD5nwKOpCR7E9aF1bGbQ729yL81yeNg8jXWfck7usisjRdYwpfMgLSx3QCVatmj1alZIDUIQ0w8jNbVGl6wBzMQNz7g7Jv3Z78HVMlNLpQTvlv3We9DT6DtfqlqlKI1CeC0CVhfr_H8SGidg-QB5MEd8OzL8trjCNdO9dVs9771po2ebr8h25bfXOxw" width="275" /></a></div></div></h2>Peter Blakehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03034789886564801957noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1488338991939068129.post-74845625656487692842023-02-26T09:24:00.001-05:002023-02-26T09:24:29.713-05:00March is Arts...<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr3xr2eBdVaj01DZb7e7YjMmKTnUcoKPR-qE_dXh6CpFq0XFDdpsb27tB4O4zrvNcqDQkAiUkgGx2bojRYd4JcNcHf1l31RADsiyJMOsVjCEOJjuddwKZ2AnkSqtRV1ULOpR5D9qhW2Qerc-f1iMulrjqTUhVQLOAf8Dwkbfx_ljDAd7ZZXYx0DGPXzg/s300/download%20(2).jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="168" data-original-width="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr3xr2eBdVaj01DZb7e7YjMmKTnUcoKPR-qE_dXh6CpFq0XFDdpsb27tB4O4zrvNcqDQkAiUkgGx2bojRYd4JcNcHf1l31RADsiyJMOsVjCEOJjuddwKZ2AnkSqtRV1ULOpR5D9qhW2Qerc-f1iMulrjqTUhVQLOAf8Dwkbfx_ljDAd7ZZXYx0DGPXzg/s16000/download%20(2).jpeg" /></a></div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br />This week marks the start of the month of March, one of the most dreaded months of the school year by many simply because it is long and cold. However, there are many exciting things that happen every year during the month of March, including recognition of students involved in the arts. Believe it or not, March is both Youth Art Month and Music in Our Schools month. Throughout the entire month, students will have opportunities to display their talents and hone their skills in both of these unique areas. To kick off the month, the Rome City School District All-City Concert will be held at RFA on Wednesday, March 1 beginning at 7:00 p.m., which will be followed by the opening of the Youth Art Exhibit at the Cinema Capitol Gallery in Rome this Friday, March 3rd. The public gallery of student work will remain on display throughout the month of March. Beyond these two cornerstone events, students will have many additional opportunities throughout the month to display their talents and abilities. Thank you to the amazing art and music teachers of the Rome City School District for continuing to grow and advance the arts in our community. We are fortunate to have a large, talented, and dedicated visual and musical arts faculty that is constantly working to share their love of the arts with our students and community. For more information about arts activities occurring this month in your student's school, please contact the school directly. </span><p></p><p></p><p></p><h2 style="text-align: right;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;">Congratulations Girls Volleyball</span></span></h2><h2><div style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400;"></div></h2><h2><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></span></h2><h2 style="text-align: right;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"></span></h2><h2 style="text-align: right;"><p style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"></span></span></p><p style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400; text-align: left;"><span><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"></span></span></span></p><p style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;">This past weekend, the Rome Free Academy girls' volleyball team was crowned Section III Champions for the first time in school history!! Congratulations to all of the ladies on an amazing season!!</span></span></p><p style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5Qmd9b931zO5gUGo1m5zwwIULa_sMSMj9yI-3-eEuaVJg_8nhEG7sTf1Xvf-2TQRGV-1qD1i9tBw_T2VF8U-NgEf9Nw9R4jDuBALSwmLstCKH9k-D8qJpN03ERi741Fy4c-Yu9gyhHJjFHGVeRhPrV7nsFQ-yxyX6bEALaMKeE89UGfz_6WRUNhXnGA/s1000/large_bce77431-4432-478f-ac0d-bf8feb58b480.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="664" data-original-width="1000" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5Qmd9b931zO5gUGo1m5zwwIULa_sMSMj9yI-3-eEuaVJg_8nhEG7sTf1Xvf-2TQRGV-1qD1i9tBw_T2VF8U-NgEf9Nw9R4jDuBALSwmLstCKH9k-D8qJpN03ERi741Fy4c-Yu9gyhHJjFHGVeRhPrV7nsFQ-yxyX6bEALaMKeE89UGfz_6WRUNhXnGA/s320/large_bce77431-4432-478f-ac0d-bf8feb58b480.png" width="320" /></a></span></span></div><p></p></h2><h2><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;">Spring Sports Physicals</span></span></h2><h2><div style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400;"></div></h2><h2><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></span></h2><h2 style="text-align: right;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"></span></h2><h2 style="text-align: right;"><p style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"></span></span></p><p style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400; text-align: left;"><span><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"></span></span></span></p><p style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;">For all students who are intending to play a school sport this Spring, physicals for those that need one are available through the athletic department. RFA physicals will occur on March 3rd in the nurse's office and Strough physicals will occur on March 10th or March 15th in the nurse's office. For more information, please contact the athletic department or your school nurse. </span></span></p><p style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizXo-y0T-gf2fzEoa-lHlJ0w3TOeZZEzcpUXzCCQtHsFtNF7sYqaaZWRmkgj7dcxMofsdZJVeq9jCfCKKiZ2a6A-8xeJ2X57ldCiXTXD1DSBJiVMgHededvZidrs-1oIt6dKX7UsXkMbqK2CR70LpahB7nkPxv4m5aeEceNYZq9XLjA7kSw_EiCJ-9uQ/s287/download.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="287" data-original-width="176" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizXo-y0T-gf2fzEoa-lHlJ0w3TOeZZEzcpUXzCCQtHsFtNF7sYqaaZWRmkgj7dcxMofsdZJVeq9jCfCKKiZ2a6A-8xeJ2X57ldCiXTXD1DSBJiVMgHededvZidrs-1oIt6dKX7UsXkMbqK2CR70LpahB7nkPxv4m5aeEceNYZq9XLjA7kSw_EiCJ-9uQ/w123-h200/download.jpeg" width="123" /></a></span></div><p></p></h2><h2 style="text-align: right;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;">Kindergarten Registration</span></span></h2><h2><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;"><p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium; font-weight: 400; white-space: normal;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"></span></p><p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium; font-weight: 400; white-space: normal;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></span></p></span></span></h2><h2 style="text-align: right;"><div style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Kindergarten registration for the 2023-2024 school year will occur during the week of March 6 - March 10, at each individual elementary school. More information on the registration process and documents required for registration can be found at <a href="https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/2645/RCSD/2773814/2023-24_Kindergarten_Registration_Flyer.pdf"><span style="color: #ffa400;">https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/2645/RCSD/2773814/2023-24_Kindergarten_Registration_Flyer.pdf</span></a>. </span></div><div style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjiD5nwKOpCR7E9aF1bGbQ729yL81yeNg8jXWfck7usisjRdYwpfMgLSx3QCVatmj1alZIDUIQ0w8jNbVGl6wBzMQNz7g7Jv3Z78HVMlNLpQTvlv3We9DT6DtfqlqlKI1CeC0CVhfr_H8SGidg-QB5MEd8OzL8trjCNdO9dVs9771po2ebr8h25bfXOxw=s275" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="183" data-original-width="275" height="183" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjiD5nwKOpCR7E9aF1bGbQ729yL81yeNg8jXWfck7usisjRdYwpfMgLSx3QCVatmj1alZIDUIQ0w8jNbVGl6wBzMQNz7g7Jv3Z78HVMlNLpQTvlv3We9DT6DtfqlqlKI1CeC0CVhfr_H8SGidg-QB5MEd8OzL8trjCNdO9dVs9771po2ebr8h25bfXOxw" width="275" /></a></div></div></h2>Peter Blakehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03034789886564801957noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1488338991939068129.post-78497829765055934932023-02-12T08:34:00.002-05:002023-02-12T08:34:34.994-05:00Where Are We Going...<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz3cqi1sGLLbHcYUvtddrhK1SzlQd2pjI4tTuxnRHu8w-i2fAbY3oeiC7aVLkF_SwOKGVeTNMJbyjwzs1fTd38tQZaTOG27xiQ14TcPSBiYe--luXKCRqylV1LdTHlmPjmF39XowSPa63FYGYP9_t3xNMOGITtzFkHTN3urVWoIbvzeKeeN08GoGO5qA/s287/images%20(1).jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="175" data-original-width="287" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz3cqi1sGLLbHcYUvtddrhK1SzlQd2pjI4tTuxnRHu8w-i2fAbY3oeiC7aVLkF_SwOKGVeTNMJbyjwzs1fTd38tQZaTOG27xiQ14TcPSBiYe--luXKCRqylV1LdTHlmPjmF39XowSPa63FYGYP9_t3xNMOGITtzFkHTN3urVWoIbvzeKeeN08GoGO5qA/s16000/images%20(1).jpeg" /></a></div><br />Reflecting on what an educator (formally known as a teacher) has to provide to a child in the 21st century almost makes the concept of schooling, or education, unrecognizable to the general public. In less than one generation, the requirements thrust upon our adults working with students in schools have changed so dramatically, that it is possible that in another generation there will be a true concern about how to keep schools open. A few years ago (pre-COVID), I wrote about potential teacher shortages in another generation, however, that concern has been fast-forwarded due to COVID. Currently, in New York State, there is already a shortage of teaching assistants, teacher aides, clerical staff, bus drivers, monitors, custodians, food service workers, special education teachers, speech teachers, psychologists, social workers, foreign language teachers, science teachers, technology teachers, library media specialists, administrators, superintendents and more. It's hard to determine the cause of shortages (which could be a combination of many factors), but the pool of candidates for our profession continues to dry up. Fewer and fewer people want to do these jobs and it has to be a concern for our students. Several decades ago, students came to school each day not always eager to learn but understanding the purpose of attending school. Many schools did not even serve food and in many cases, school would dismiss for everyone to go home and eat lunch. School counselors had the primary responsibility of guiding students through high school and to help them determine a post secondary path in life. If a family, or child, wanted to stop attending school at some point in their education, they were not shunned by society as an incapable contributor to society. Fast forward to today, college attendance is expected, schools are littered with services for students and families, schools serve two meals a day, students (or families) who do not desire to have a complete high school education are required to stay in school (often causing behavior concerns for others that want to be there), facilities are on constant lockdown, and governmental oversight of schools has made the list of regulations that must be adhered to so large that a whole profession has been born (educational law attorneys). Having conversations with people that are not in education and trying to explain all of the requirements of schools and educators today is a challenge. Most of the requirements don't make sense. Ironically, as you can notice by reading, the concepts of curriculum, instruction, and learning are some of the last things that schools are able to focus on in today's iteration of education. In the past, many people attempt to create conflict between parents and schools claiming that parents are doing less at home so more responsibilities fall on the schools/teachers. I would say this accusation is not accurate. In fact, I think that parents and schools are working together more than ever to try to solve the riddle of increased demands placed on kids and schools in today's society. There are increased pressures and stresses on students that cause a greater need for counseling support in schools. Access to food and basic resources has dwindled in the past couple of decades for many children. And, the general school day has shortened in time over the years to the point where it is virtually impossible to fit all of the academic requirements into a school day that teachers are required to attempt to teach, let alone address the social/emotional growth elements that they know kids need. For the sake of our educators, I hope that we can all continue to work together to provide solutions and relief that allow them to do what they have been trained to do... TEACH. We need to stop having people ask the question, where are we going? At this point, regulations and expectations are changing so rapidly from above, not only can those in the profession barely keep up, those families who don't worry about school until they need to will have no chance at comprehending the labyrinth known as public education in 2023.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><p></p><p></p><h2 style="text-align: right;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;">Woven Together in History</span></span></h2><h2><div style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400;"></div></h2><h2><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></span></h2><h2 style="text-align: right;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"></span></h2><h2 style="text-align: right;"><p style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"></span></span></p><p style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400; text-align: left;"><span><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"></span></span></span></p><p style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;">On Tuesday, February 14, Strough Middle School is hosting an event in recognition of Black History Month entitled Woven Together in History. The students and staff have worked together to create a museum of American history. The event is open to the public from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. in the gym at Strough. </span></span></p></h2><h2><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;">Winter Recess</span></span></h2><h2><div style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400;"></div></h2><h2><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></span></h2><h2 style="text-align: right;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"></span></h2><h2 style="text-align: right;"><p style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"></span></span></p><p style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400; text-align: left;"><span><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"></span></span></span></p><p style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;">Just a reminder that winter recess will be held next week, February 20 through February 24. All schools will be closed for learning during the week and student attendance will resume on Monday, February 27. </span></span></p></h2><h2 style="text-align: right;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;">Kindergarten Registration</span></span></h2><h2><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;"><p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium; font-weight: 400; white-space: normal;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"></span></p><p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium; font-weight: 400; white-space: normal;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></span></p></span></span></h2><h2 style="text-align: right;"><div style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Kindergarten registration for the 2023-2024 school year will occur during the week of March 6 - March 10, at each individual elementary school. More information on the registration process and documents required for registration can be found at <a href="https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/2645/RCSD/2773814/2023-24_Kindergarten_Registration_Flyer.pdf"><span style="color: #ffa400;">https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/2645/RCSD/2773814/2023-24_Kindergarten_Registration_Flyer.pdf</span></a>. </span></div><div style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjiD5nwKOpCR7E9aF1bGbQ729yL81yeNg8jXWfck7usisjRdYwpfMgLSx3QCVatmj1alZIDUIQ0w8jNbVGl6wBzMQNz7g7Jv3Z78HVMlNLpQTvlv3We9DT6DtfqlqlKI1CeC0CVhfr_H8SGidg-QB5MEd8OzL8trjCNdO9dVs9771po2ebr8h25bfXOxw=s275" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="183" data-original-width="275" height="183" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjiD5nwKOpCR7E9aF1bGbQ729yL81yeNg8jXWfck7usisjRdYwpfMgLSx3QCVatmj1alZIDUIQ0w8jNbVGl6wBzMQNz7g7Jv3Z78HVMlNLpQTvlv3We9DT6DtfqlqlKI1CeC0CVhfr_H8SGidg-QB5MEd8OzL8trjCNdO9dVs9771po2ebr8h25bfXOxw" width="275" /></a></div></div></h2><h2><br /></h2><h2><br /></h2>Peter Blakehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03034789886564801957noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1488338991939068129.post-2030128579508621962023-02-05T07:44:00.000-05:002023-02-05T07:44:18.594-05:00Thank You Counselors...<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZh71VGm24OYZAv9vbKYs6jIGXkc08XsYyZGDsECA2BDBH2wcE8AZJrv_tOGQOxvuT-bmj0ogU84GIZLdJdmIjAFCGWWKcbPmCdtVYfhbFRmdRXGo50ztpjjg6R4VJxWx5Mt1lPTiC_JCQ8gcYQnyvsbjOX1S2o24IoWnjF6nRqxvTLtzZsnlAooJP4A/s856/large_7bd95771-775b-4f0d-bc05-fb07b0cbca82.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="316" data-original-width="856" height="118" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZh71VGm24OYZAv9vbKYs6jIGXkc08XsYyZGDsECA2BDBH2wcE8AZJrv_tOGQOxvuT-bmj0ogU84GIZLdJdmIjAFCGWWKcbPmCdtVYfhbFRmdRXGo50ztpjjg6R4VJxWx5Mt1lPTiC_JCQ8gcYQnyvsbjOX1S2o24IoWnjF6nRqxvTLtzZsnlAooJP4A/s320/large_7bd95771-775b-4f0d-bc05-fb07b0cbca82.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="color: #666666;"><br /> <span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span>This week represents National School Counseling Week 2023. The week, sponsored by the American School Counselor Association (ASCA), highlights the unique contribution of school counselors within the United States school system and the tremendous impact they can have in helping students achieve school success and plan for a career. While there is no doubt that all adults (whether in an educational setting or not) act as a counselor to youth in some capacity, the specific work of a school counselor is at a different level. Believe it or not, many school-related people (including some here in Rome) still refer to school counselors as "guidance counselors". Unfortunately, this term used to address the work of school counselors was removed from school systems during the 1970s, but sadly many communities have yet to realize the work of a school counselor as being more than guidance/career planning, even 50 years later. Many of us as adults can think of at least one moment when our counselor has done something (big or small) to shape our lives. School counselors work tireless hours to ensure student growth, help staff that may be in crisis, and connect with families that may need some additional support. The role of the school counselor has become much larger than the days of the guidance counselor and we are fortunate in Rome to have some of the best school counselors available to our students and families. Whether it be providing classroom lessons to students on all things related to social, emotional, and the realities of the real world to individual conversations with students in crisis or just in need of a chat, the Rome counseling team is prepared daily to make a positive impact on the life of a kid. And, this work isn't limited to students, often a school counselor will also work with families in crisis and even the occasional staff member. In an era where so many people are dealing with bouts of stress and anxiety that they had never experienced before, school counselors everywhere are on the front lines of tackling the mental health crisis in our society that we continue to hear so many references to. I thank all of our hard-working counselors for the work that they do each and every day with our children, families, and staff. To read more about our Rome school counselors, please see our story on our webpage at </span></span></span></span><span style="color: #ffa400; font-family: georgia;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="https://www.romecsd.org/article/988226"><span style="color: #ffa400;">https://www.romecsd.org/article/988226</span></a> </span></span><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #666666;">and please take a moment to thank your school counselor this week.</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #666666;"><br /></span></span></span></div><p></p><p></p><h2 style="text-align: right;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;">Face Off Against Colon Cancer - RESCHEDULED</span></span></h2><h2 style="text-align: right;"><div style="background-color: white; font-weight: 400; text-align: left;"><div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="color: #666666; font-size: medium;"><span>The Rome Free Academy hockey team will be hosting their annual Face Off Against Colon Cancer benefit game (played in memory of Coach Peter Mastracco) on Tuesday, February 7th at Kennedy Arena, where RFA will face off against Ontario Bay at 7:00 p.m. </span><span>The RFA Ice Hockey Booster Club set up a fund in honor of the late Mastracco, who passed away from his battle with colon cancer in 2015. Please</span><span> support your RFA Black Knights as they continue their messaging of “Get Checked From Behind”. Cancer is a disease that has greatly impacted our district and community throughout the years. Supporting our students in their quest to support us all is the least we can do.</span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: medium; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: medium; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidKMzPihFylRZAfwFi-j14vfmDqTWEubuaYTUHrJOLz8YlnQDz-PEu3_h9RX1q-tYPNGYnypZKyP2mW7lCL4JvKTdJQPk4_eeDrbq7Gdg_HP3OBUMMyyolyicyAHEs2JiFFjU8Ehb9ETo0/s1600/Face+Off+Art+Work.jpg" style="display: inline; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1179" data-original-width="1600" height="146" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidKMzPihFylRZAfwFi-j14vfmDqTWEubuaYTUHrJOLz8YlnQDz-PEu3_h9RX1q-tYPNGYnypZKyP2mW7lCL4JvKTdJQPk4_eeDrbq7Gdg_HP3OBUMMyyolyicyAHEs2JiFFjU8Ehb9ETo0/s200/Face+Off+Art+Work.jpg" width="200" /></a></div></div></h2><h2><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;">Vaccination Clinic</span></span></h2><h2><div style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400;"></div></h2><h2><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></span></h2><h2 style="text-align: right;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"></span></h2><h2 style="text-align: right;"><p style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"></span></span></p><p style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400; text-align: left;"><span><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"></span></span></span></p><p style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;">The Rome NAACP is hosting a vaccination clinic, in conjunction with The Center of Utica, the Rome YMCA, and Rite Aid to provide a vaccination clinic on Tuesday, February 7. Vaccinations for flu, COVID, shingles, pneumonia, TDAP, and HPV will be available. The clinic will be held at the Rome YMCA from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. For adults, a $25 gift card will be provided per vaccine. </span></span></p></h2><h2 style="text-align: right;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;">OPWDD Transition Assistance</span></span></h2><h2><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;"><p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium; font-weight: 400; white-space: normal;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"></span></p><p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium; font-weight: 400; white-space: normal;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></span></p><p style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium; font-weight: 400; white-space: normal;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The New York State Office of Persons with Developmental Disabilities is currently communicating with schools and families regarding ensuring that all students who can benefit from their services are aware of the department. New York State is a leader in transition services for students leaving a school setting and entering post-secondary educational institutions or the workforce. If you have a student in high school who you feel may benefit from their support and guidance upon graduating from high school, I encourage you to visit their website at <span style="color: #ffa400;">https://opwdd.ny.gov/community-involvement/school-transition-students-developmental-disabilities</span>. Our school team is also working with OPWDD to help connect families as their students transition from high school to post-secondary endeavors. </span></span></span></p></span></span></h2><h2 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;">Spring Sports Registration</span></span></h2><h2 style="background-color: white; text-align: right;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: georgia;"></span></h2><h2><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></span></h2><h2><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></span></h2><h2><div style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;">At this time, Spring sports registration is now open on Family ID. For more information about our Spring sports offerings, please visit our athletic page at <a href="https://romecitysdny.sites.thrillshare.com/o/athletics"><span style="color: #ffa400;">https://romecitysdny.sites.thrillshare.com/o/athletics</span></a>. To visit the Family ID registration page to create an account and/or register for Spring sports, please visit that page at <a href="https://hello.familyid.com/"><span style="color: #ffa400;">https://hello.familyid.com/</span></a>. </span></span></div><div style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTVAOhw8YoG_W7dF8dNwin_jYCb1h7mm7ew_QzZS-8TcQJ-6psc3YnM8gsqgmB1qDujqE8eC1lbvXeJAukRa1LQUEakhly_v3G7cuodXqhKRwqHPPWIglh55zFkPAKxaaV6nd4dDWkwicITqAh4xb6J8jGHgmYD8es5dDjKijBJCjueAsx6c04pU6rMw/s287/download.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="287" data-original-width="176" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTVAOhw8YoG_W7dF8dNwin_jYCb1h7mm7ew_QzZS-8TcQJ-6psc3YnM8gsqgmB1qDujqE8eC1lbvXeJAukRa1LQUEakhly_v3G7cuodXqhKRwqHPPWIglh55zFkPAKxaaV6nd4dDWkwicITqAh4xb6J8jGHgmYD8es5dDjKijBJCjueAsx6c04pU6rMw/w123-h200/download.jpeg" width="123" /></a></div></span></div></h2><h2 style="text-align: right;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;">Rome Science Fair</span></span></h2><h2><div style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400;"></div></h2><h2><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></span></h2><h2 style="text-align: right;"><p style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"></span></span></p><p style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400; text-align: left;"><span><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"></span></span></span></p><p style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;">Attention students in grades 7-12!! Are you interested in science and want to show off your talents? The Rome Science Fair is for you. Registration is currently open until February 10 for the Rome Science Fair, sponsored by the Rome Academy of Sciences. This year's theme is Global Warming. For more information, please see their flyer on our PeachJar at <a href="https://app.peachjar.com/flyers/2399549/districts/32521"><span style="color: #ffa400;">https://app.peachjar.com/flyers/2399549/districts/32521</span></a> or speak to your science teacher in school.</span></span></p></h2><h2><br /></h2><h2 style="text-align: right;"><br /></h2><h2><div style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"></span></div></h2>Peter Blakehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03034789886564801957noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1488338991939068129.post-76444439389064086262023-01-29T08:16:00.000-05:002023-01-29T08:16:39.741-05:00Black History Month...<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfLnCcI7OrKGUXJ_pEHcinKHlkV8Nxi2g2dSnp6Qtf1eUZrKWLXbnH93lm5Z5yGBtlMnA1FOq8MYAx2P2UiWp_37uVBovwAYruJOMEEzZokAk8IMUb20bisykp-M-4AIawz31t9lDvzu7PJ0nWnrBHGGDSPy8RPDLmLcU89UA1XMTFT6vvxah3KdZe4Q/s275/download%20(1).jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="183" data-original-width="275" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfLnCcI7OrKGUXJ_pEHcinKHlkV8Nxi2g2dSnp6Qtf1eUZrKWLXbnH93lm5Z5yGBtlMnA1FOq8MYAx2P2UiWp_37uVBovwAYruJOMEEzZokAk8IMUb20bisykp-M-4AIawz31t9lDvzu7PJ0nWnrBHGGDSPy8RPDLmLcU89UA1XMTFT6vvxah3KdZe4Q/s16000/download%20(1).jpeg" /></a></div><br /> This week kicks off the start of Black History Month throughout our country. I personally believe that every year, more and more people are aware of the past and the need to set aside days, weeks, months, etc. to draw attention to a group or situation is becoming less and less necessary. However, this will never mean that people should forget the purpose of drawing attention to a particular cause. Clearly, at some point in our nation's history, there was a need to draw attention to this cause and spend time educating ourselves specifically on the history of black individuals in our country. The reality is, human beings have been terrible to each other almost since their existence on the planet. Most of the world's ancient cities were built by the labor of slaves. In the grand scheme of the world, slavery has been a part of world history for thousands of years, while our country has only lived without it for roughly 150 years. By comparison, we are all still in need of learning and understanding that all humans (regardless of race or gender) are able and capable of great things. America has an unfortunate track record of oppression, but there is certainly evidence of the neanderthalic mentality of the 1950's white male is becoming less and less a way of our society. Personally, the more time I take to get to actually know a person as opposed to passing judgment based on an opinion, stereotype that I grew up with, or commentary that I hear or read; the more I find that people are far better than most want to believe. Our greatest problem in society is the fear of realizing that our beliefs are not correct. It's easier to believe what we want to believe based on prior experience and/or inaccurate historical depictions than it is to take the time to understand reality or accept the fact that the world and people change. It's this exact human mentality that causes us to have awareness days, weeks, and months. Black history in the United States is an integral and vital part of our nation's growth to dominance. Just as the fact that our nation was built by immigrants and the work ethic of our ancestors is what laid the way to our success. History cannot be ignored and we all need to remember that our nation's strength has always been developed through unity and cause, regardless of background. So, during the next month, I challenge you to break down one barrier that you have had in your life related to an opinion of people by educating yourself on that perception and drawing your own conclusion. Move out of your comfort zone and take that risk. You will be pleasantly surprised!</span></div><p></p><p></p><h2 style="text-align: right;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;">Face Off Against Colon Cancer - RESCHEDULED</span></span></h2><h2 style="text-align: right;"><div style="background-color: white; font-weight: 400; text-align: left;"><div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="color: #666666; font-size: medium;"><span>The Rome Free Academy hockey team will be hosting their annual Face Off Against Colon Cancer benefit game (played in memory of Coach Peter Mastracco) on Tuesday, February 7th at Kennedy Arena, where RFA will face off against Ontario Bay at 7:00 p.m. </span><span>The RFA Ice Hockey Booster Club set up a fund in honor of the late Mastracco, who passed away from his battle with colon cancer in 2015. Please</span><span> support your RFA Black Knights as they continue their messaging of “Get Checked From Behind”. Cancer is a disease that has greatly impacted our district and community throughout the years. Supporting our students in their quest to support us all is the least we can do.</span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: medium; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: medium; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidKMzPihFylRZAfwFi-j14vfmDqTWEubuaYTUHrJOLz8YlnQDz-PEu3_h9RX1q-tYPNGYnypZKyP2mW7lCL4JvKTdJQPk4_eeDrbq7Gdg_HP3OBUMMyyolyicyAHEs2JiFFjU8Ehb9ETo0/s1600/Face+Off+Art+Work.jpg" style="display: inline; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1179" data-original-width="1600" height="146" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidKMzPihFylRZAfwFi-j14vfmDqTWEubuaYTUHrJOLz8YlnQDz-PEu3_h9RX1q-tYPNGYnypZKyP2mW7lCL4JvKTdJQPk4_eeDrbq7Gdg_HP3OBUMMyyolyicyAHEs2JiFFjU8Ehb9ETo0/s200/Face+Off+Art+Work.jpg" width="200" /></a></div></div></h2><h2><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;">Spring Sports Registration</span></span></h2><h2 style="background-color: white; text-align: right;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: georgia;"></span></h2><h2><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></span></h2><h2><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></span></h2><h2><div style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;">At this time, Spring sports registration is now open on Family ID. For more information about our Spring sports offerings, please visit our athletic page at <a href="https://romecitysdny.sites.thrillshare.com/o/athletics"><span style="color: #ffa400;">https://romecitysdny.sites.thrillshare.com/o/athletics</span></a>. To visit the Family ID registration page to create an account and/or register for Spring sports, please visit that page at <a href="https://hello.familyid.com/"><span style="color: #ffa400;">https://hello.familyid.com/</span></a>. </span></span></div><div style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTVAOhw8YoG_W7dF8dNwin_jYCb1h7mm7ew_QzZS-8TcQJ-6psc3YnM8gsqgmB1qDujqE8eC1lbvXeJAukRa1LQUEakhly_v3G7cuodXqhKRwqHPPWIglh55zFkPAKxaaV6nd4dDWkwicITqAh4xb6J8jGHgmYD8es5dDjKijBJCjueAsx6c04pU6rMw/s287/download.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="287" data-original-width="176" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTVAOhw8YoG_W7dF8dNwin_jYCb1h7mm7ew_QzZS-8TcQJ-6psc3YnM8gsqgmB1qDujqE8eC1lbvXeJAukRa1LQUEakhly_v3G7cuodXqhKRwqHPPWIglh55zFkPAKxaaV6nd4dDWkwicITqAh4xb6J8jGHgmYD8es5dDjKijBJCjueAsx6c04pU6rMw/w123-h200/download.jpeg" width="123" /></a></div></span></div></h2><h2 style="text-align: right;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;">Rome Science Fair</span></span></h2><h2><div style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400;"></div></h2><h2><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></span></h2><h2 style="text-align: right;"><p style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"></span></span></p><p style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400; text-align: left;"><span><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"></span></span></span></p><p style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;">Attention students in grades 7-12!! Are you interested in science and want to show off your talents? The Rome Science Fair is for you. Registration is currently open until February 10 for the Rome Science Fair, sponsored by the Rome Academy of Sciences. This year's theme is Global Warming. For more information, please see their flyer on our PeachJar at <a href="https://app.peachjar.com/flyers/2399549/districts/32521"><span style="color: #ffa400;">https://app.peachjar.com/flyers/2399549/districts/32521</span></a> or speak to your science teacher in school.</span></span></p></h2><h2 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Rhapsody Collegiate Invitational</span></h2><h2><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></span></h2><h2 style="text-align: right;"><div style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400; text-align: left;"><span id="docs-internal-guid-39e71972-7fff-b8fe-856b-653694b2924f"><div style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Rome Free Academy’s Rhapsody Show Choir will be hosting their Collegiate A Cappella Invitational on Saturday, February 4 at 7:30pm in the RFA Auditorium. The performance will include various college groups, as well as RFA performance ensembles. Tickets are $5 and available through pre-sale at Jervis Library. For more information, please contact the RFA music department.</span></span></div></span></div></h2><h2 style="text-align: right;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;">NYSED Graduation Measures </span></span></h2><h2><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></span></h2><h2><p style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"></span></p><p style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: georgia; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></p><div style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><span><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;">The New York State Education Department has reopened a ThoughtExchange to gain more information regarding how people feel about potential changes in graduation requirements in our state. The Blue Ribbon committee which was organized to investigate possible changes and make recommendations to the commissioner, is asking, "<span style="font-style: italic; white-space: normal;">What opportunities, experiences, and courses should be available to students in High School that align with their needs, dreams, and career exploration? Which of those should be mandatory?</span>" To participate in their exchange, please visit the website at </span></span><a href="https://my.thoughtexchange.com/scroll/644270582/welcome" style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #ffa400;">https://my.thoughtexchange.com/scroll/644270582/welcome</span></a><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">. </span></span></div><div style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></span></div><div style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSpbYzvTkV0-SZbMuRIb_rDa5szVerXRjWWwBHN7FhGVKFZJpNoaHwEJhpMgLEpcfP8G9gWHuWHL5Mt5mHJKYrX2dmW_GV9q6uULMENWOmDYmAXJCSeRerZaZFmKp0miXwNufhrAz7FjqqEUazERvpdKGL0xT2KXVTV3kjZItewZNKM3rB4Pq2IvLyJg/s188/images.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="148" data-original-width="188" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSpbYzvTkV0-SZbMuRIb_rDa5szVerXRjWWwBHN7FhGVKFZJpNoaHwEJhpMgLEpcfP8G9gWHuWHL5Mt5mHJKYrX2dmW_GV9q6uULMENWOmDYmAXJCSeRerZaZFmKp0miXwNufhrAz7FjqqEUazERvpdKGL0xT2KXVTV3kjZItewZNKM3rB4Pq2IvLyJg/s16000/images.png" /></a></div></span></div></h2><h2 style="text-align: right;"><br /></h2><h2><div style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></span></div></h2><h2><br /></h2>Peter Blakehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03034789886564801957noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1488338991939068129.post-55270650278098343752023-01-22T07:51:00.003-05:002023-01-22T07:53:35.066-05:00Who's the Parent...<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEDU8hJqHUY7jPSAIRM-y56o0xRZ020Xa3pimW0siK67KThGMZsUwWDZhvb8p2urWRwf6NhZWvYzw7pVF6aA6-9z4nJ__QUl_TxQL7-GvEwGutE2QXv_IRbkTDwUhG3nHqZ293iQuD4ni7nUTAXzj3qkl-EajNwz_lmLxBPCP5HtEfs30i-JyaOqzmlQ/s299/images.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="168" data-original-width="299" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEDU8hJqHUY7jPSAIRM-y56o0xRZ020Xa3pimW0siK67KThGMZsUwWDZhvb8p2urWRwf6NhZWvYzw7pVF6aA6-9z4nJ__QUl_TxQL7-GvEwGutE2QXv_IRbkTDwUhG3nHqZ293iQuD4ni7nUTAXzj3qkl-EajNwz_lmLxBPCP5HtEfs30i-JyaOqzmlQ/w320-h179/images.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /> On a weekly basis, the topic comes up as to how much more of a parenting role teachers and schools can be expected to undertake in today's society. Everywhere you turn, it feels like schools are expected to do more and more that is not related to educating a child. Sure, I can always make the argument that education is more than ABC's and 123's. It is in fact about growing the whole child from a social aspect and helping young adults become productive members of society. These things are in fact true, and our teachers/school staff (and people in education everywhere) absolutely do these things on a daily basis. In fact, visit a school and you'll probably find adults working to help kids become better people and mediate situations more than what many adults may expect in traditional academics. Schools understand that we have a role in helping all children grow in every way. However, the question becomes, are schools expected to do everything and be the only entity acting in the role of a parent? If you ask many that work with kids every day, they would probably tell you that it feels that way. The most recent epidemic sweeping through schools is the use of edibles or gummies. They look like candy, probably taste like candy, and kids probably have a lot of access to them because adults are using them more and more frequently. This is not brand new as edibles have been around for many years, but it seems like more and more adults are beginning to have them. The problem is if an adult at home is not responsible with their edibles, and their child gets a hold of one (or more), then there is the potential for them to bring them into the school which can cause a major problem. This is happening all over the country, and unfortunately, it is also happening in our community. This is the modern day version of cigarettes or alcohol (the items that most parents gained access to while at school), or more recently the vape epidemic when young children would grab their parents' devices and sneak them to school. While our schools can work to address situations like this when they occur, we have no ability to manage what kids are bringing to school every day. That responsibility falls on whoever is home with a student before they arrive. Likewise, the school can always work with kids to understand what is right and what is wrong, but we need the help of parents and adults at home to reinforce these things so kids don't make mistakes as they grow. Students spend a maximum of 33 hours a week in school. That's only 20% of their time each week. Common sense simply says that there is no way that even the world's best educators and educational teams can ensure 100% success with all aspects of a kid's life when we only have access to them 20% of the time. We need to be a team and work together to help our children understand the dangers that exist currently in our world that we perhaps did not have worry about when we were there age. While your school family can certainly support and intervene on situations (most often after something goes wrong is brought to their attention), we all need to work together as a larger family to help prevent situations from occuring. We all want to believe that our kids are perfect, but really none of us were perfect children and by nature, kids love to push the envelope and explore boundaries. Thats' what growing is all about. Take the time to speak to your kids each day about their experiences and concerns and don't be afraid to share your personal stories with them. Between the parenting at home and the support our schools can provide, we can parent together in a way that is meaningful and supportive of our kids. The bottom line is, we are all the parents, but no individual party can do it without the other. </span></div><p></p><p></p><h2 style="text-align: right;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;">Hoops for a Purpose</span></span></h2><h2 style="text-align: right;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></span></h2><h2><p style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"></span></p><p style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: georgia; font-size: medium; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></p><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: white; font-weight: 400;">On Tuesday, January 24th, the Varsity Girls’ Basketball team will Hoop for a Purpose for a cancer awareness/benefit game wearing pink jerseys. </span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #666666;">Why pink?</span></span><b style="color: black; font-weight: 400;"> </b></span><span style="background-color: white; font-weight: 400;">Pink is the color worn to show support for breast cancer. Every year thousands of women and men are diagnosed with this form of cancer. Many of you may have a loved one or close friend affected by cancer. The team is asking folks to attend the game and to make a donation through the program to support the fight against cancer. </span><span style="font-weight: normal;">All of those people that donate money will be supporting you “on the court” and the fight for cancer “off the court”.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></span></div></h2><h2><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;">NYSED Graduation Measures </span></span></h2><h2><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></span></h2><h2><p style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"></span></p><p style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: georgia; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></p><div style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><span><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;">The New York State Education Department has reopened a ThoughtExchange to gain more information regarding how people feel about potential changes in graduation requirements in our state. The Blue Ribbon committee which was organized to investigate possible changes and make recommendations to the commissioner, is asking, "<span style="font-style: italic; white-space: normal;">What opportunities, experiences, and courses should be available to students in High School that align with their needs, dreams, and career exploration? Which of those should be mandatory?</span>" To participate in their exchange, please visit the website at </span></span><a href="https://my.thoughtexchange.com/scroll/644270582/welcome" style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #ffa400;">https://my.thoughtexchange.com/scroll/644270582/welcome</span></a><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">. </span></span></div><div style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></span></div><div style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSpbYzvTkV0-SZbMuRIb_rDa5szVerXRjWWwBHN7FhGVKFZJpNoaHwEJhpMgLEpcfP8G9gWHuWHL5Mt5mHJKYrX2dmW_GV9q6uULMENWOmDYmAXJCSeRerZaZFmKp0miXwNufhrAz7FjqqEUazERvpdKGL0xT2KXVTV3kjZItewZNKM3rB4Pq2IvLyJg/s188/images.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="148" data-original-width="188" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSpbYzvTkV0-SZbMuRIb_rDa5szVerXRjWWwBHN7FhGVKFZJpNoaHwEJhpMgLEpcfP8G9gWHuWHL5Mt5mHJKYrX2dmW_GV9q6uULMENWOmDYmAXJCSeRerZaZFmKp0miXwNufhrAz7FjqqEUazERvpdKGL0xT2KXVTV3kjZItewZNKM3rB4Pq2IvLyJg/s16000/images.png" /></a></div></span></div></h2><h2 style="text-align: right;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;">SchoolTool Information</span></span></h2><h2><div style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400;"></div></h2><h2 style="text-align: right;"><p style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"></span></span></p><p style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400; text-align: left;"><span><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"></span></span></span></p><p style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;">Recently, we have received an increase in calls from families with issues related to SchoolTool and Parent Portal kicking them out of the program upon entry. The vast majority of these issues are related to the user's browser not being updated to a level that supports the latest release of the SchoolTool software. Below is a chart that may help you know what browsers are supported and what versions are required to operate SchoolTool. If for some reason this simple fix does not solve your issue, please contact the IT specialist at your child's school for additional support. </span></span></p><p style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5LoHQNa-FTimCynIvSsTBxkXVdVMp9bVrUK1fW5-Xsy8kOJZGA3IwpwI7K90Eq8piXTLF8YiffdMjTrt2TPa9VtvomnTawZq6d7eoGsXwk9v_tdes2mwjcjPyiXzOyqga9KCMHWJWU9__ylnES9gyLmSXeqqnhg9LE4W0qkvTiZlnJ1FaNzNNhoas0Q/s843/Picture1.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="550" data-original-width="843" height="418" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5LoHQNa-FTimCynIvSsTBxkXVdVMp9bVrUK1fW5-Xsy8kOJZGA3IwpwI7K90Eq8piXTLF8YiffdMjTrt2TPa9VtvomnTawZq6d7eoGsXwk9v_tdes2mwjcjPyiXzOyqga9KCMHWJWU9__ylnES9gyLmSXeqqnhg9LE4W0qkvTiZlnJ1FaNzNNhoas0Q/w640-h418/Picture1.png" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></h2><h2><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;">Early Dismissal - Calendar Reminder</span></span></h2><h2 style="background-color: white; text-align: right;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: georgia;"></span></h2><h2><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></span></h2><h2><div style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;">All students in grades pre-K through 8 also have an early dismissal, half-day, on Friday, January 27. For more information, please contact your child's school directly. </span></span></div></h2><h2 style="text-align: right;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;">Regents Exam Information</span></span></h2><h2 style="background-color: white; text-align: right;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: georgia;"></span></h2><h2><div style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">As a reminder, this upcoming is the week for January Regents Exams for students in RFA. From Tuesday through Friday, students will only be in attendance if they are required to take an exam. From transportation information, please check your ParentSquare or call RFA directly. A copy of our exam schedule can be found on our webpage here: <a href="https://www.romecsd.org/article/969494"><span style="color: #ffa400;">https://www.romecsd.org/article/969494</span></a>. </span></span></span></div><div style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguQS7wAPB961E7BZe_WrPdFbkwyUz8OmSKnFOI8wVsXRuEs92yyNy-avWhVbVXpeg4DDrwZkC2arjejgMYfQuVInPIpzuxSZLjUQHcrjRS2KqIRhCT2YxoUe8TFtVy6VA3bsDoFVIhRRC6_lktaTcHTXbS3pIdsOZEFiPPolt6L9c_ZCurtUxF16XtHA/s384/rfa_logo_300px.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="373" data-original-width="384" height="194" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguQS7wAPB961E7BZe_WrPdFbkwyUz8OmSKnFOI8wVsXRuEs92yyNy-avWhVbVXpeg4DDrwZkC2arjejgMYfQuVInPIpzuxSZLjUQHcrjRS2KqIRhCT2YxoUe8TFtVy6VA3bsDoFVIhRRC6_lktaTcHTXbS3pIdsOZEFiPPolt6L9c_ZCurtUxF16XtHA/w200-h194/rfa_logo_300px.png" width="200" /></a></div></span></span></div></h2><h2 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;">AREA Community Conversation</span></span></h2><h2><div style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;"><p style="font-family: Times; white-space: normal;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Throughout the year, our Equity Task Force will be hosting a series of community conversations to learn more about the needs and desires of our students and community in the area of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. The conversations have been ongoing and have been held in various locations throughout the community. This coming Thursday evening, January 26, there will be a community conversation at Jervis Library from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. We hope to see you there.</span></span></span></p></span></span></div></h2><h2><div style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></span></div></h2>Peter Blakehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03034789886564801957noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1488338991939068129.post-18955056680800382142023-01-15T09:18:00.002-05:002023-01-15T09:18:37.958-05:00Achieve the Dream...<div class="p1" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGzauaGGBSN5hdsYMxtvySWHkXjFiPyloudhiQA7wpH_Sl6x-2CSJfo8QGEy0eCIukg1kwIJYfPYZWCitMp5Vdw6iWrdR42aSVcPcjiVLutU4WFdzRJw3Zk2wU-S2w4ivx5yL0_5WlEcAQdXvXugDq73fEiYLT_qc0qSlMt93Xknxs1UNCUFC4jHgcng/s224/download.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="224" data-original-width="224" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGzauaGGBSN5hdsYMxtvySWHkXjFiPyloudhiQA7wpH_Sl6x-2CSJfo8QGEy0eCIukg1kwIJYfPYZWCitMp5Vdw6iWrdR42aSVcPcjiVLutU4WFdzRJw3Zk2wU-S2w4ivx5yL0_5WlEcAQdXvXugDq73fEiYLT_qc0qSlMt93Xknxs1UNCUFC4jHgcng/w200-h200/download.jpeg" width="200" /></a></div><br />Once upon a time, when we all began our careers or started a new position/school, we had dreams. Dreams of what we wanted to accomplish, dreams of what we wanted to see our students accomplish, dreams of what we wanted to see our school communities achieve. Throughout my travels though, I have seen too many adults tell students they should lower their expectations and downsize their dreams, rather than work to make those dreams a reality. This issue is not isolated to schools either. It can come from many locations in a child's life, but the issue is that too many children are not feeling supported and are being told what their life will be without the opportunity to experience the world around them. Unfortunately, I would say that the ratio of adults encouraging students and adults discouraging students is close to 1:1 in my career. I ask, would you be where you are today without someone throughout your childhood encouraging you to pursue your dreams? As with many things in our schools, we need to focus on the positives that are happening and capitalize on them. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. had a dream for our country, and while his dream was related to equal rights and oppression, his intended message of having a dream and working tirelessly to achieve it can be applied universally in society. Regardless of the circumstance, the message is the same; don't give up and perseverance does pay off. It may not be the ultimate measure of success, but to be able to say, "I had a dream" instead of, "I have a dream" can bring about a tremendous sense of accomplishment. More important than our own dreams though, let's not forget the dreams of Dr. King as we continue to strive to make his dream come true. Beyond just the simple thought of trying to understand others, seeking to understand something prior to casting judgment. His dream consisted of everyone living in harmony, regardless of differences. This can be accomplished if the focus is on supporting people, rather than tearing them down. Achieving our own dreams is admirable, working to help others achieve their dreams transcends all and is the paramount definition of a teacher.</span></div><p></p><p></p><p></p><h2 style="text-align: right;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;">Schedule Reminder</span></span></h2><h2><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></span></h2><h2 style="text-align: right;"><p style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"></span></span></p><p style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400; text-align: left;"><span><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"></span></span></span></p><p style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;">As a reminder, in observance of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. day tomorrow, all schools are closed. Classes will resume on Tuesday, January 17.</span></span></p></h2><h2 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;">Face Off Against Colon Cancer</span></span></h2><h2 style="text-align: right;"><div style="background-color: white; font-weight: 400; text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="color: #666666; font-size: medium;"><span>The Rome Free Academy hockey team will be hosting their annual Face Off Against Colon Cancer benefit game (played in memory of Coach Peter Mastracco) on Tuesday, January 17th at Kennedy Arena, where RFA will face off against Ontario Bay at 7:00 p.m. </span><span>The RFA Ice Hockey Booster Club set up a fund in honor of the late Mastracco, who passed away from his battle with colon cancer in 2015. Please</span><span> support your RFA Black Knights as they continue their messaging of “Get Checked From Behind”. Cancer is a disease that has greatly impacted our district and community throughout the years. Supporting our students in their quest to support us all is the least we can do.</span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: medium; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: medium; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidKMzPihFylRZAfwFi-j14vfmDqTWEubuaYTUHrJOLz8YlnQDz-PEu3_h9RX1q-tYPNGYnypZKyP2mW7lCL4JvKTdJQPk4_eeDrbq7Gdg_HP3OBUMMyyolyicyAHEs2JiFFjU8Ehb9ETo0/s1600/Face+Off+Art+Work.jpg" style="display: inline; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1179" data-original-width="1600" height="146" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidKMzPihFylRZAfwFi-j14vfmDqTWEubuaYTUHrJOLz8YlnQDz-PEu3_h9RX1q-tYPNGYnypZKyP2mW7lCL4JvKTdJQPk4_eeDrbq7Gdg_HP3OBUMMyyolyicyAHEs2JiFFjU8Ehb9ETo0/s200/Face+Off+Art+Work.jpg" width="200" /></a></div></div><p></p></h2><h2 style="text-align: right;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;">January Regents Exams Return</span></span></h2><h2><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></span></h2><h2><p style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"></span></p><p style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: georgia; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></p><div style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;">For the first time in two years, the January Regents exams are returning to schools. Just a reminder that during the week of January, 23, Rome Free Academy will be hosting the January Regents Exams, which will alter the student attendance schedule for the week. A copy of the exam schedule can be found on the NYSED website at </span></span></div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: 400; white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="http://www.nysed.gov/state-assessment/january-2023-regents-examination-schedule"><span style="color: #ffa400;">http://www.nysed.gov/state-assessment/january-2023-regents-examination-schedule</span></a>. </span></span><div style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;"> For more information, including information regarding your student's schedule, exam needs, transportation, etc., please contact the main office at RFA, your student's teacher(s), counselor, or administration.</span></span></div><div style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSpbYzvTkV0-SZbMuRIb_rDa5szVerXRjWWwBHN7FhGVKFZJpNoaHwEJhpMgLEpcfP8G9gWHuWHL5Mt5mHJKYrX2dmW_GV9q6uULMENWOmDYmAXJCSeRerZaZFmKp0miXwNufhrAz7FjqqEUazERvpdKGL0xT2KXVTV3kjZItewZNKM3rB4Pq2IvLyJg/s188/images.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="148" data-original-width="188" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSpbYzvTkV0-SZbMuRIb_rDa5szVerXRjWWwBHN7FhGVKFZJpNoaHwEJhpMgLEpcfP8G9gWHuWHL5Mt5mHJKYrX2dmW_GV9q6uULMENWOmDYmAXJCSeRerZaZFmKp0miXwNufhrAz7FjqqEUazERvpdKGL0xT2KXVTV3kjZItewZNKM3rB4Pq2IvLyJg/s16000/images.png" /></a></div></span></div></h2><h2 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;">Show Choir Festival</span></span></h2><h2><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></span></h2><h2><div style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div></span></div></h2><h2 style="text-align: right;"><p style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"></span></span></p><p style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400; text-align: left;"><span><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"></span></span></span></p><p style="font-weight: 400; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: georgia; letter-spacing: 0.23px;">Looking for a night of outstanding music and entertainment? On Friday, January 20, the RFA Show Choir will host their annual Show Choir Festival at RFA beginning at 7:30 p.m. Each year, show choirs from all around the region come together to perform an evening filled with top-notch vocal entertainment, combined with visual artistry that is second to none. Stop by RFA for an evening of music you won't soon forget!</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: times, times new roman, serif; letter-spacing: 0.23px;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; letter-spacing: 0.23px;"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; font-size: medium; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: 0.23px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB1GFb4bFzh_xK7YXNceS-GlD6-lJRLTxaZiU7lhVdNmejTddjH11ncrF2aePrwIaWknNQC9fdEaSGB1hyphenhyphenQObYFZB9r63jaDgfekpypl1mfTjHWkWuPRVnXnwgMvjx53nQW-YSVGi-nPzi/s1600/images.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="137" data-original-width="367" height="119" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB1GFb4bFzh_xK7YXNceS-GlD6-lJRLTxaZiU7lhVdNmejTddjH11ncrF2aePrwIaWknNQC9fdEaSGB1hyphenhyphenQObYFZB9r63jaDgfekpypl1mfTjHWkWuPRVnXnwgMvjx53nQW-YSVGi-nPzi/s320/images.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div></h2>Peter Blakehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03034789886564801957noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1488338991939068129.post-63388801937426981512023-01-08T10:13:00.000-05:002023-01-08T10:13:22.364-05:00Bias Or Ignorance...<p><span style="font-family: georgia;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghxyrKnjh23JNit8f6sXJ2zsJ4kY0vIyfytr31ToZGb1_p5oQA6G8Ng4fZ40tcaCP38C5GBo49RQguThlIlg4vkvWW4tsbS-jqzDograCD2c6oJ8dPaiTKZrVQX0nW_zokkIBdEKIlboFV7aUVdHRnk-xuLCuhGw8ETVtqCkG-QA4JH3zOrwVTG7hEuQ/s200/ed67d87bd7685c9357cbf9a54189d245.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="200" data-original-width="176" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghxyrKnjh23JNit8f6sXJ2zsJ4kY0vIyfytr31ToZGb1_p5oQA6G8Ng4fZ40tcaCP38C5GBo49RQguThlIlg4vkvWW4tsbS-jqzDograCD2c6oJ8dPaiTKZrVQX0nW_zokkIBdEKIlboFV7aUVdHRnk-xuLCuhGw8ETVtqCkG-QA4JH3zOrwVTG7hEuQ/s1600/ed67d87bd7685c9357cbf9a54189d245.jpg" width="176" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: georgia;">Almost on a daily basis, I come across situations where I find myself wondering if the people involved in the situation truly can't understand more than one perspective. One of the hot topics in our world of education for the last several years has been the concept of bias and social justice. Taking social justice out of the conversation, for today, bias is simply put the viewpoints that one holds regarding others or other things. We all have them, whether you want to admit it or not, and some are worse than others. For instance, I am biased with regard to how I open a simple bag of chips<span style="background-color: white;">. I am convinced that opening the bag from the bottom provides fewer broken chips and better flavor and no one can tell me differently. </span>Okay, that example is a little absurd as we all know there is more than one way to open a bag of chips, but the example demonstrates a simple bias. In our schools, philosophy on homework, grades, discipline, and much more are all subject to our biases. The nice thing about bias is that we are able to admit and recognize that they exist which means that we can have growth-producing conversations about those topics. The problem with bias is when ignorance enters the picture. </span><span style="font-family: georgia;">Ignorance is the worst enemy of all humans because it is a barrier to learning and growth. When ignorance shows up, people shut down and refuse to see more than one perspective. I have found in my experience that while it is not easy to recognize and admit bias, it can be done and generally makes someone a better, more well-rounded citizen when they can recognize and admit that their views may not be the only possible views that exist. I'm not sure that I've ever met someone that is willing to admit that they are ignorant. The "my way or the highway" attitude needs to be a thing of the past in our schools. Ignorance prevents a person from seeing anything in totality and creates an environment where adults believe that their perspective and/or feelings are the only ones that exist which create a situation that does not allow students, people, or organizations to grow. Compassion, understanding, and collaboration are what it takes to be successful in the real world. I recognize that in the real world, we still have deadlines, schedules, and mandates... but we can help students and people grow without being as rigid as a stone age razor. As we walk through life, the only way to overcome ignorance is to find a way to shift that mentality to bias, which then must be recognized and accepted by an individual so they can grow, and work with others to grow as a team. Obviously, there will always be work to do in this area, but it always starts with a single person recognizing that their way, is not the only way.</span><p></p><p></p><p></p><h2 style="text-align: right;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;">Martin Luther King Breakfast</span></span></h2><h2><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></span></h2><h2 style="text-align: right;"><p style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"></span></span></p><p style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400; text-align: left;"><span><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"></span></span></span></p><p style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;">Each year on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, our local NAACP hosts a breakfast in honor and remembrance of Dr. King. This year's event will be held on Monday, January 16, beginning at 7:30 a.m. at the Zion Episcopal Church in Rome. The keynote speaker is Pastor Jamina Lilley. Tickets are $20 for adults/$15 for children and can be obtained by contacting the Rome NAACP at 315-271-7703.</span></span></p><p style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA7EqE9m_sGxTm4walgTHr-M6UKVbkgq4XN1Kgon_DL8YjTGk1OpoA2LBnKzVO3Ab52VoZ8preM7aPGRyt5-dlSBPjlJt9j__KK4CZMJaJE62DV7d5LRLPVJaB9Lke0rwdFTgNvkNpAYFpDgdDDCXE_EE5YGnk5T2__wrbbdhX7cJ87iNIy7KENCq8-A/s225/images.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="225" data-original-width="225" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA7EqE9m_sGxTm4walgTHr-M6UKVbkgq4XN1Kgon_DL8YjTGk1OpoA2LBnKzVO3Ab52VoZ8preM7aPGRyt5-dlSBPjlJt9j__KK4CZMJaJE62DV7d5LRLPVJaB9Lke0rwdFTgNvkNpAYFpDgdDDCXE_EE5YGnk5T2__wrbbdhX7cJ87iNIy7KENCq8-A/w200-h200/images.png" width="200" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span><p></p></h2><h2><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;">January Regents Exams Return</span></span></h2><h2><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></span></h2><h2><p style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"></span></p><p style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: georgia; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></p><div style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;">For the first time in two years, the January Regents exams are returning to schools. Just a reminder that during the week of January, 23, Rome Free Academy will be hosting the January Regents Exams, which will alter the student attendance schedule for the week. A copy of the exam schedule can be found on the NYSED website at </span></span></div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: 400; white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="http://www.nysed.gov/state-assessment/january-2023-regents-examination-schedule"><span style="color: #ffa400;">http://www.nysed.gov/state-assessment/january-2023-regents-examination-schedule</span></a>. </span></span><div style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;"> For more information, including information regarding your student's schedule, exam needs, transportation, etc., please contact the main office at RFA, your student's teacher(s), counselor, or administration.</span></span></div><div style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSpbYzvTkV0-SZbMuRIb_rDa5szVerXRjWWwBHN7FhGVKFZJpNoaHwEJhpMgLEpcfP8G9gWHuWHL5Mt5mHJKYrX2dmW_GV9q6uULMENWOmDYmAXJCSeRerZaZFmKp0miXwNufhrAz7FjqqEUazERvpdKGL0xT2KXVTV3kjZItewZNKM3rB4Pq2IvLyJg/s188/images.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="148" data-original-width="188" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSpbYzvTkV0-SZbMuRIb_rDa5szVerXRjWWwBHN7FhGVKFZJpNoaHwEJhpMgLEpcfP8G9gWHuWHL5Mt5mHJKYrX2dmW_GV9q6uULMENWOmDYmAXJCSeRerZaZFmKp0miXwNufhrAz7FjqqEUazERvpdKGL0xT2KXVTV3kjZItewZNKM3rB4Pq2IvLyJg/s16000/images.png" /></a></div></span></div></h2><h2 style="text-align: right;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;">Show Choir Festival</span></span></h2><h2><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></span></h2><h2><div style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div></span></div></h2><h2 style="text-align: right;"><p style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"></span></span></p><p style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400; text-align: left;"><span><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"></span></span></span></p><p style="font-weight: 400; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: georgia; letter-spacing: 0.23px;">Looking for a night of outstanding music and entertainment? On Friday, January 20, the RFA Show Choir will host their annual Show Choir Festival at RFA beginning at 7:30 p.m. Each year, show choirs from all around the region come together to perform an evening filled with top-notch vocal entertainment, combined with visual artistry that is second to none. Stop by RFA for an evening of music you won't soon forget!</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: times, times new roman, serif; letter-spacing: 0.23px;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; letter-spacing: 0.23px; letter-spacing: 0.23px;"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; font-size: medium; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: 0.23px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB1GFb4bFzh_xK7YXNceS-GlD6-lJRLTxaZiU7lhVdNmejTddjH11ncrF2aePrwIaWknNQC9fdEaSGB1hyphenhyphenQObYFZB9r63jaDgfekpypl1mfTjHWkWuPRVnXnwgMvjx53nQW-YSVGi-nPzi/s1600/images.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="137" data-original-width="367" height="119" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB1GFb4bFzh_xK7YXNceS-GlD6-lJRLTxaZiU7lhVdNmejTddjH11ncrF2aePrwIaWknNQC9fdEaSGB1hyphenhyphenQObYFZB9r63jaDgfekpypl1mfTjHWkWuPRVnXnwgMvjx53nQW-YSVGi-nPzi/s320/images.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div></h2>Peter Blakehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03034789886564801957noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1488338991939068129.post-8902178678676919022023-01-01T10:47:00.002-05:002023-01-01T10:47:19.710-05:00Welcome 2023...<p><span style="font-family: georgia;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggSO0MOm5S3SORrEelCZO22RFw5xg_e--xOymX7PxBtK6n42wem5pqkW3AGhvYKu2aLnzzogCngnVeWm3lPgweCirc62hxQJ59oAQVpGMU6n884zJCaopuM9tlVIWnmPGPHRA8diIhbD_FsGNBYEo9slCGojlMpLKtxABZlpaNzB5gKb6pNHzOP-q9_Q/s275/download%20(37).jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="183" data-original-width="275" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggSO0MOm5S3SORrEelCZO22RFw5xg_e--xOymX7PxBtK6n42wem5pqkW3AGhvYKu2aLnzzogCngnVeWm3lPgweCirc62hxQJ59oAQVpGMU6n884zJCaopuM9tlVIWnmPGPHRA8diIhbD_FsGNBYEo9slCGojlMpLKtxABZlpaNzB5gKb6pNHzOP-q9_Q/w200-h133/download%20(37).jpeg" width="200" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /> I hope you and your family have had a safe and happy holiday week. Over the course of this holiday season, I realized that so many of us look forward to the New Year with goals and agendas that make the previous year seem like a virtual waste of time. The traditional New Year's change is a diet or exercise for most and we all know the running joke for that, they rarely last. People make resolutions and statements of grandeur about the upcoming year being better than the previous year. Yes, we all have had tough times and negative situations in the past year. It would be tough to find a human being that had the "perfect year", but is that really cause to dismiss the events of a previous year and act as if just because it's a New Year, you can be a different person. Those that can magically change due to the calendar changing should market their ability by writing a book or finding a mini-series. The truth is, it's hard to change habits and it takes work. And most habit-changing exercises are tough to stick with because human beings need instant gratification in today's world, and most changes to a person's habits do not yield instant change. There is one habit though that we can all build or build upon that does provide instant results, selflessness. </span><span style="font-family: georgia;">Find a way to make an actual difference in the lives of those you care about and that care about you. When you go out of your way to do something for someone else that is kind, the instant gratification is a smile and a thank you. And if we all do something little every day, the concept of respect and care will begin to grow again in our world. It can be done, it does not require much, it's simply a mindset to be kind. </span><span style="font-family: georgia;">So, Happy New Year to everyone out there, and I am certain that this next year will bring positivity and joy to your family and life!!</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></p><p></p><p></p><h2 style="text-align: right;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;">Schools Re-Open January 3</span></span></h2><h2><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></span></h2><h2 style="text-align: right;"><p style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"></span></span></p><p style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400; text-align: left;"><span><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"></span></span></span></p><p style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;">Just a reminder that schools will re-open for students this coming Tuesday, January 3. As the month progresses, please be aware of upcoming calendar items such as Martin Luther King Jr. day on Monday, 1/16, and the final week of the month has some calendar items for high school families to be aware of, along with a half-day for pre-k through grade 8 on Friday, January 27.</span></span></p></h2><h2><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;">NYSED Graduation Measures </span></span></h2><h2><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></span></h2><h2><p style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"></span></p><p style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: georgia; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></p><div style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;">The New York State Education Department is currently conducting a ThoughtExchange to gain more information regarding how people feel about potential changes in graduation requirements in our state. The Blue Ribbon committee which was organized to investigate possible changes and make recommendations to the commissioner, is asking, "What are the skills and abilities most needed by NYS graduates to be successful in their chosen post-secondary path?" To participate in their exchange, please visit the NYSED website at <a href="http://www.nysed.gov/grad-measures/thoughtexchange"><span style="color: #ffa400;">http://www.nysed.gov/grad-measures/thoughtexchange</span></a>. </span></span></div><div style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSpbYzvTkV0-SZbMuRIb_rDa5szVerXRjWWwBHN7FhGVKFZJpNoaHwEJhpMgLEpcfP8G9gWHuWHL5Mt5mHJKYrX2dmW_GV9q6uULMENWOmDYmAXJCSeRerZaZFmKp0miXwNufhrAz7FjqqEUazERvpdKGL0xT2KXVTV3kjZItewZNKM3rB4Pq2IvLyJg/s188/images.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="148" data-original-width="188" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSpbYzvTkV0-SZbMuRIb_rDa5szVerXRjWWwBHN7FhGVKFZJpNoaHwEJhpMgLEpcfP8G9gWHuWHL5Mt5mHJKYrX2dmW_GV9q6uULMENWOmDYmAXJCSeRerZaZFmKp0miXwNufhrAz7FjqqEUazERvpdKGL0xT2KXVTV3kjZItewZNKM3rB4Pq2IvLyJg/s16000/images.png" /></a></div></span></div></h2><h2 style="text-align: right;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;">YMCA Teen Center</span></span></h2><h2><div style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: medium; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div style="background-color: white; white-space: normal;">As of last month, the Rome YMCA Teen Center has reopened on Monday through Thursday, between 3:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. The teen center is specifically designed for teens and is a place where teen members can enjoy games, food, and social experiences. For more information regarding the teen center, and/or on becoming a member of the YMCA, please see their flyer on our PeachJar: <a href="https://app.peachjar.com/flyers/2390436/districts/32521"><span style="color: #ffa400;">https://app.peachjar.com/flyers/2390436/districts/32521</span></a>. </div><div style="background-color: white; white-space: normal;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-YwuORdbeCERogvrXeFAqo7kRjxKq1GVZOXtPpuQBlzozoZ6vvTZyJwpVDg5hCjcYAbDmKyde1wUxEz4HIZE2BjUFOJ7KSwm9dv4XiN93C69_siSlhh0mmppewhJNwobziwqOUkWQHukwLe-UjsCKaHK9tFudlQmualx247PyIr_SdYy70rSRC2pR_w/s226/images.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="223" data-original-width="226" height="197" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-YwuORdbeCERogvrXeFAqo7kRjxKq1GVZOXtPpuQBlzozoZ6vvTZyJwpVDg5hCjcYAbDmKyde1wUxEz4HIZE2BjUFOJ7KSwm9dv4XiN93C69_siSlhh0mmppewhJNwobziwqOUkWQHukwLe-UjsCKaHK9tFudlQmualx247PyIr_SdYy70rSRC2pR_w/w200-h197/images.jpeg" width="200" /></a></div></span></span></div></h2><h2 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;">Rising Stars - Rome Capitol Theatre</span></span></h2><h2><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></span></h2><h2 style="text-align: right;"><p style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"></span></span></p><p style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400; text-align: left;"><span><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"></span></span></span></p><div style="background-color: white; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: 0.23px; overflow-wrap: break-word; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Rising Stars is a fun learning experience that teaches stage and life skills through games, activities, individual coaching, and actual performances on the Capitol Stage. The program focuses on developing the students' own creativity, building self-confidence, improving reading comprehension and speaking ability, accepting responsibility, and teamwork. </span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; letter-spacing: 0.23px;">Students will learn stage movement, character development, how to audition, and a whole lot more! Skills developed will better prepare students to compete for roles in school plays and other local stage productions, as well as interact with confidence during pageants, interviews for college or jobs, and in everyday dealings with teachers and peers. For more information, please visit our PeachJar at </span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times, times new roman, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: 0.23px;"><a href="https://app.peachjar.com/flyers/2389760/districts/32521"><span style="color: #ffa400;">https://app.peachjar.com/flyers/2389760/districts/32521</span></a>.</span></span></div><div style="background-color: white; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: 0.23px; overflow-wrap: break-word; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; letter-spacing: 0.23px;"> <span style="color: #ffa400;"> </span></span></span></div><div style="background-color: white; font-size: medium; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: 0.23px; overflow-wrap: break-word; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; font-size: medium; font-weight: 400; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI8upfzdLxSRyX5TR6CcvgjkvF5kGKx6_wtDxYy9-Y-3qvi35xjqZzrO3ZcSk5vA4GyQHartoGzCKdSZsfE0MAcmEI6Q_KhLRxkvktaBJ68xugD-_34Ic7_1NzR2-j_DyHJo5AcpSoyvGT/s1600/logo1.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="225" data-original-width="900" height="80" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI8upfzdLxSRyX5TR6CcvgjkvF5kGKx6_wtDxYy9-Y-3qvi35xjqZzrO3ZcSk5vA4GyQHartoGzCKdSZsfE0MAcmEI6Q_KhLRxkvktaBJ68xugD-_34Ic7_1NzR2-j_DyHJo5AcpSoyvGT/w320-h80/logo1.png" width="320" /></a></div></h2><h2><div style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: medium; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div style="background-color: white; white-space: normal;"><br /></div></span></span></div></h2><h2><br /></h2>Peter Blakehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03034789886564801957noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1488338991939068129.post-64864061626258136412022-12-17T20:39:00.000-05:002022-12-17T20:39:02.479-05:00Happy Holidays...<p><span style="font-family: georgia;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_vMvDwTsPq8tNQOI6ZAZcLdzwinftfcVQHJiKPfZTVumJO7gNIb1ZtYFC0YCmeUwQI016BNe8_OB08y6VN0tBLjR569lTgwS1A4wQxad73PFCJWUf3645K_GsEA1rRM7Wi6gR2Hph9t--1jUkbZTmPefsiiT__bH1WB-9HfobNJqIe9A85klGKn7qNQ/s936/RCSD%20winter.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="642" data-original-width="936" height="219" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_vMvDwTsPq8tNQOI6ZAZcLdzwinftfcVQHJiKPfZTVumJO7gNIb1ZtYFC0YCmeUwQI016BNe8_OB08y6VN0tBLjR569lTgwS1A4wQxad73PFCJWUf3645K_GsEA1rRM7Wi6gR2Hph9t--1jUkbZTmPefsiiT__bH1WB-9HfobNJqIe9A85klGKn7qNQ/s320/RCSD%20winter.png" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /> It's hard to believe that we are already 4 months through this school year!! It seems like just yesterday that we were getting schools back into the full swing of things in this post-COVID school environment. While we were all eager to welcome a world that was more "normal" than the past two years, no one was prepared to wade through the challenges that many students and families would bring to the table as a result of the last two years. During these four months, we have had many ups and downs, but through it all, we have continued to remain focused on our goal. At times, patience has worn thin and stress has overcome the process... but we move forward. The staff of the Rome City School District are second to none and will continuously go above and beyond to support students and their families. Nothing in the world of education is what the general person would assume it is, with the job of working in a school getting more and more challenging. We are fortunate to have so many positive relationships with each other, our families, our students, and our community partners. I hope that everyone in our community has an opportunity over the coming two weeks to enjoy some family time, reflect on the past in hopes to create a better future, relax and recharge, and most importantly have some fun and create memories that will last a lifetime!! I am very thankful for the large family that is the Rome City School District and to quote my favorite movie of this season, I wish all of you the most wonderful holiday season and the hap hap happiest New Year since Bing Crosby danced with Danny Kaye (this is a PG blog gang)!!! Be well everyone and I will see you in 2023!!</span><p></p><p></p><h2 style="text-align: right;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;">ThougthExchange Project</span></span></h2><h2><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></span></h2><h2 style="text-align: right;"><p style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"></span></p><p style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></span></span></p><p style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;">Last weekend, the district has launched a ThoughtExchange for families and staff to learn more about what skills and characteristics our students need to be successful learners in the future world. This is part of a project to develop a Portrait of a Learner. To participate in our ThoughtExchange, please visit the link: <a href="https://tejoin.com/scroll/235831319"><span style="color: #ffa400;">https://tejoin.com/scroll/235831319</span></a>. </span><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">We ask that you please share your thoughts on the questions, as well as rate the responses of others. This exchange will be open until the end of the day on Thursday, December 22.</span></span></p><p style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: medium; font-weight: 400; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuskvBkeKproSUWl0OGSOvtRUbsKN6eB7g6T7eVzZamDbvkg7EFV1ITB9ahYgsIsF6BPsoT0lVXmW-qrpAM5z52SzVUagUuWJd4SX4HBmgwNr8mpbQlq0kRJ_dYhoZEGo5nAb9GGr7UnaPwzn2PL2YFIGdv1yzWTaJV_KWXWevuKxyRsSaoBPKOcNvEg/s320/download.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="130" data-original-width="320" height="130" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuskvBkeKproSUWl0OGSOvtRUbsKN6eB7g6T7eVzZamDbvkg7EFV1ITB9ahYgsIsF6BPsoT0lVXmW-qrpAM5z52SzVUagUuWJd4SX4HBmgwNr8mpbQlq0kRJ_dYhoZEGo5nAb9GGr7UnaPwzn2PL2YFIGdv1yzWTaJV_KWXWevuKxyRsSaoBPKOcNvEg/s1600/download.png" width="320" /></a></span></div></h2><h2><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;">Holiday Recess</span></span></h2><h2><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></span></h2><h2><p style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"></span></p><p style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: georgia; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></p><div style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;">Please mark your calendars for the holiday recess. Schools will not be in session from Friday, December 23, 2022, through Monday, January 2, 2023. Students will return to school on Tuesday, January 3, 2023. Also, please note that all facilities will be closed during the recess with the exception of Tuesday, December 27 through Thursday, December 29. During this time, clerical coverage within all facilities will be minimal, so if you need to contact a school and/or the district office, email is the preferred method of communication during the recess. </span></span></div></h2><h2 style="text-align: right;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;">Oneida County Overdose Awareness</span></span></h2><h2><div style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><div style="text-align: left; white-space: normal;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: medium; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="white-space: normal;">The Oneida County Overdose Response Team has issued a Fentanyl awareness alert to make the public aware of illicit fentanyl drug trends that have been linked to five overdose deaths within the past month.</span> I am sure folks are aware of the increased exposure to illegal substances such as this, including their dangers. For more information regarding the Overdose Response Team's alert, please visit the Oneida County website at <a href="https://ocgov.net/content/oneida-county-overdose-response-team-issues-fentanyl-awareness-alert"><span style="color: #ffa400;">https://ocgov.net/content/oneida-county-overdose-response-team-issues-fentanyl-awareness-alert</span></a>. </span></span></span></div></span></span></div></h2><h2><br /></h2>Peter Blakehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03034789886564801957noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1488338991939068129.post-60194272456927382932022-12-11T10:32:00.003-05:002022-12-11T10:35:05.323-05:00Kindness Is Free...<p><span style="font-family: georgia;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN4I1uhLcjA8-5xxExRtUDPhFFUVlPszoBe2k9EH4b6eEw-BX4zlLsG4ssytUrUdW8dRiRGsfImMovrPsZw6QUj1GdYJamG7cnINonRlF4BsostubRilQHw5laSId_cCNmvX4RyvyiulZpgvJ1ZS9qIoUYxzDn1SShVY63fdBdb6JVB_XnVZstMhMfFQ/s225/download%20(36).jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="225" data-original-width="225" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN4I1uhLcjA8-5xxExRtUDPhFFUVlPszoBe2k9EH4b6eEw-BX4zlLsG4ssytUrUdW8dRiRGsfImMovrPsZw6QUj1GdYJamG7cnINonRlF4BsostubRilQHw5laSId_cCNmvX4RyvyiulZpgvJ1ZS9qIoUYxzDn1SShVY63fdBdb6JVB_XnVZstMhMfFQ/w200-h200/download%20(36).jpeg" width="200" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br />What if every day were similar to these days between Thanksgiving and New Year's? I ask this question because as I walk through public places with crowds each year during the holidays, it's ironic to me to see how many more kind and giving people you come across during this one month stretch. 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 an 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? Sure we all have bad days and can have moments where we forget how the simple things in life can completely change a person's day. But why has the world become a place where we focus on negatives more than positives? I was asked recently about a couple of incidents that have happened in other areas of the State and my first reaction was, "What about all of the amazing things that students and teachers are doing every day in those places that no one even knows about?" It's true, every day our kids, our staff, our parents, and our community are doing much more good than they are given credit for. We simply enjoy the attention and gossip of negative events, whether the information we hear or read is true or not. What if people were more recognized for the good things they did each day, would they do more of it? </span><span style="font-family: georgia;">Too often, people don't do the little things in life because we feel like they may go unnoticed or not given praise. Maybe the praise and recognition we need is not external but <u>internal</u>. Perhaps the feeling that one gets when they do a small gesture of kindness or go out of their way to help another is what we need. In this world of uncertainty and negativity, we all need simple gestures that help us through our day and help us know that someone else cares. It can be as simple as holding a door, sending a message, writing a card, picking up a tab, or even saying hello to someone. We all know that society would be a better place with more random acts of kindness... it's time to stop preaching to the choir about it and start leading the orchestra. Last time I checked, kindness is not only free, but it's an extremely powerful gesture that can have a profound impact on people we don't even know.</span><p></p><h2 style="text-align: right;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;">ThougthExchange Project</span></span></h2><h2><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></span></h2><h2 style="text-align: right;"><p style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"></span></p><p style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></span></span></p><p style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;">This weekend, the district has launched a ThoughtExchange for families and staff to learn more about what skills and characteristics our students need to be successful learners in the future world. This is part of a project to develop a Portrait of a Learner. To participate in our ThoughtExchange, please visit the link: <a href="https://tejoin.com/scroll/235831319"><span style="color: #ffa400;">https://tejoin.com/scroll/235831319</span></a>. </span><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">We ask that you please share your thoughts on the questions, as well as rate the responses of others. This exchange will be open until the end of the day on Thursday, December 22.</span></span></p><p style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: medium; font-weight: 400; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuskvBkeKproSUWl0OGSOvtRUbsKN6eB7g6T7eVzZamDbvkg7EFV1ITB9ahYgsIsF6BPsoT0lVXmW-qrpAM5z52SzVUagUuWJd4SX4HBmgwNr8mpbQlq0kRJ_dYhoZEGo5nAb9GGr7UnaPwzn2PL2YFIGdv1yzWTaJV_KWXWevuKxyRsSaoBPKOcNvEg/s320/download.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="130" data-original-width="320" height="130" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuskvBkeKproSUWl0OGSOvtRUbsKN6eB7g6T7eVzZamDbvkg7EFV1ITB9ahYgsIsF6BPsoT0lVXmW-qrpAM5z52SzVUagUuWJd4SX4HBmgwNr8mpbQlq0kRJ_dYhoZEGo5nAb9GGr7UnaPwzn2PL2YFIGdv1yzWTaJV_KWXWevuKxyRsSaoBPKOcNvEg/s1600/download.png" width="320" /></a></span></div></h2><h2><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;">Congratulations Musicians</span></span></h2><h2><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></span></h2><h2><p style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"></span></p><p style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: georgia; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></p><div style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;">Recently, Rome Free Academy had several musicians receive honors for their talents and performance. The following students qualified for All-State honors: Dakota Morrison and Jacob Cosentino for mixed choir and Gregory "Alex" Brown for the symphonic band. Above these honors, Jacob and Gregory also qualified for All-Eastern ensembles. Congratulations to these students, their families, and their teachers over the years for such an amazing accomplishment!!</span></span></div></h2><h2 style="text-align: right;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;">AREA Community Conversation</span></span></h2><h2><div style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;"><p style="font-family: Times; white-space: normal;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Throughout the year, our Equity Task Force will be hosting a series of community conversations to learn more about the needs and desires of our students and community in the area of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. The conversations have been ongoing and have been held in various locations throughout the community. This coming Thursday evening, December 15, there will be a community conversation at Jervis Library from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. We hope to see you there. </span></span></span></p></span></span></div></h2><h2 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;">RFA Class of 2023 Fundraiser</span></span></h2><h2><p style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"></span></p><p style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: georgia; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></p><div style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;">Please join the Rome Free Academy Class of 2023 for Breakfast with Santa! On Saturday, December 17, the senior class of RFA is hosting a fundraiser from 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Rome Free Academy. For more information, please see their flyer on our PeachJar at: </span></span><a href="https://app.peachjar.com/flyers/2374691/districts/32521" style="font-family: georgia; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #ffa400;">https://app.peachjar.com/flyers/2374691/districts/32521</span></a><span style="font-family: georgia; white-space: pre-wrap;">. </span></div></h2><h2 style="text-align: right;"></h2><h2><br /></h2><h2 style="text-align: right;"></h2><h2 style="text-align: right;"><br /></h2>Peter Blakehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03034789886564801957noreply@blogger.com