Change Is In The Air...

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I think it is finally safe to say that Spring has sprung here in Central, New York. Almost everyone I know has spent a portion of this weekend outside doing work or enjoying themselves (including myself as I write this next to the fire on this fine Sunday evening). Spring brings with it all kinds of change, both literal and metaphoric in our schools. Our students are constantly experiencing new life events and for seniors the change of life coming in the next month is fairly drastic. In nature, the life cycle takes anew and we see the change of seasons right before our very eyes. While I spend my time enjoying being outside a bit, I reflect on the change that we are about to undergo in both Rome and Rome Free Academy.

This past week we appointed a new principal (Mr. Brian LeBaron) and two new Assistant Principals (Mrs. Andrea Falvo and Miss Amy Molloy). As I begin my transition into my first superintendency, I could not be more thrilled for the future of Rome Free Academy. RFA is littered with absolutely top notch educators and people, this transition of new leadership brings with it a renewed sense of life and inspiration for our students. While I am going to miss walking in those doors every day (as will our other administrators who are moving on), I know that RFA is being left in more than qualified hands and I am beyond excited for the possibilities that the future holds. As long as we all remember that change is hard, but not impossible; this transition will be easy. I know that the students, families, and staff of RFA are going to give our new leaders a very warm welcome and show them (much the same way you did me) why Rome needs to be home.

Black Knight Kudos ...

Congratulations to Hannah Skibitski for being selected as an Andrew D. Rossetti Scholarship winner!!

Congratulations to Ellie Lynn Hawkins, Meagan Hull, and Phillip McCorkle on being nominated for the 2016 OHM School Boards Institute Student Achievement Award!!

Congratulations to Maria Parker for being recognized by the Delta Omega Sorority at their annual awards tea!!

Thank you to Mr. Dunn and his students for hosting the Humane Society of Rome and raising funds to help the animal shelter!!


"PAIR"ents Partnership ...

Please remember that Friday, May 27 is a give back snow day so there will be no school on that day. Also, Tuesday, May 31 is another give back day and there will be no school then either. Wednesday, June 1 is a Regents examination day and CLASSES WILL NOT BE IN SESSION. Only students who are taking the Algebra 2 exam or Calculus exam should report to school on that day. There will be a bus run home at both 11:15 a.m. and 12:15 p.m., however there will be no afternoon run at the regular dismissal hour. If you have any questions about any of this, please contact us. Lastly, please don't forget to participate in the City of Rome's needs assessment survey at http://romenewyork.com/.

This Week at RFA...

5/23 - NHS, AP Physics & AP Calculus Field Trip to Darien Lake
5/24 - I & S Committee Meeting
5/24 - Key Club Meeting
5/24 - RFA Boys Tennis Banquet
5/24 - Girls (v) Golf Sectionals
5/24 - Boys (v) Lacrosse Sectionals at West Genesee
5/25 - Faculty Meeting
5/25 - Track and Field Sectionals at CNS
5/26 - World Wars Classes Field Trip to Buffalo Naval Yard
5/26 - Policy Committee Meeting
5/26 - STASS Elections
5/26 - JROTC Awards Banquet
5/27 - NO SCHOOL
5/27 - French Club Field Trip to Niagara on the Lake
5/28 - Travel Club Field Trip to New York City

Worth the Read...

Take a Moment to Self Reflect and Grow...

I've said this below and my feelings have been reaffirmed recently by visiting our elementary schools. I heard repeatedly about how many teachers visited each others' classrooms and the benefit that they found to observing their peers. It is the most powerful professional development that we have and it is free!! Not only is it free, but we can do it 5 days a week. Please find the time to observe a colleague and notice all the great things that you have going on in your school!!

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