Recognition Week...

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This coming week marks the week where we celebrate and recognize our Board of Education during the statewide Board of Education Recognition Week. Those of us who have committed our careers to education know that being a member of the Board of Education is often times a thankless job. On top of their own busy lives, Board members put in countless hours of meetings, conversations, research, and visits to help ensure that our children are provided with the best resources, facilities, and opportunities possible. The compensation for being a Board member comes in the form of student smiles, "thank you's" from us, and a general pride in working toward a greater cause. With the constant onslaught of State and Federal mandates, the concept of remaining focused on learning and children is becoming increasingly difficult for most Boards. Yet through it all, they find a way to remain focused on improving the opportunities and experiences for our children. So when you see a Board member this week, make sure you take that extra moment to say "thank you." Or maybe send them a note of thanks or invite them to your room/building. Regardless of how you do it, taking the time to show that you recognize what they do on an ongoing basis would be appreciated. On behalf of the entire Rome City School District (students and staff), I would like to say "thank you" for the work you have done, and continue to do to help our community provide a solid education for all!!


Student Vaccinations

This year, the vaccination requirements have changed slightly for students, especially in grades 12 and 7. Our nursing staff has been working tirelessly communicating these changes since last Spring, however we are still experiencing large volumes of students who do not possess their required vaccinations (or have not provided the district with vaccination records). Beyond the grades 12 and 7, there is also a new vaccination requirement for grade 6 students. Below is a listing of requirements for these students that we have a significant concern about:
Grade 12 - Meningococcal Conjugate Vaccine (2 doses)
Grade 7 - Meningococcal Conjugate Vaccine (1 dose)
Grade 6 - Tetnus & Diphtheria and Pertussis Vaccine Booster

Please make sure that your school nurse has a record of all vaccines that your child has to date. We need these records to be current on or before NOVEMBER 4 or we will not be able to allow your student to attend school beginning November 7 by regulation. For a full listing of vaccination requirements, please visit http://www.health.ny.gov/publications/2370.pdf

RFA Hosts Hypnotist

On Saturday, October 29 at 7:00 p.m., RFA will be hosting hypnotist Jack Hirsh. The event is a community event that is fun for the whole family. If you have never seen a hypnotist work, it can be an enjoyable and funny experience. Tickets are available at the door the night of the performance for $10. Pre-sale tickets are available for $8. Please contact Rebecca Ciotti (rciotti@romecsd.org), Paula Come (pcome@romecsd.org), Brenda Brockway (bbrockway@romecsd.org), or Kaila Hoskins (khoskins@romecsd.org) for more information. There is no doubt that it would be an evening you won't soon forget... unless you are a participant!!

Fall Events Abound

The past week and the coming week are filled with events all throughout the district. Last week, both Strough and RFA welcomed new members into their Honor Society organizations. Congratulations to all of those students, nearly 150 in total!! The RFA marching band is entering it's final week of the season with a community performance at the stadium this coming Tuesday night at 8:00 p.m. followed by their State Championship performance next Sunday night Carrier Dome. Athletics are still moving forward strong as well. The girls field hockey and the girls soccer teams both compete in the Section III semi-finals for their respective sports this coming Tuesday, 10/25, with the field hockey team competing at home beginning at 5:30 p.m. Our individual/team sports (cross country/swimming/gymnastics) will also be coming to conclusion in the coming weeks with their Sectional meets. Ridge Mills is hosting their Trick-or-Treat event on Tuesday 10/25 as well. Staley Upper Elementary School will be hosting their Fall Harvest event on Wednesday, 10/26, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. The Early Childhood Program is holding their Trick-or-Treat event on Friday 10/28 and Gansevoort wraps up the week with their Halloween Craft Event on Saturday 10/29. As you can see, there is not short coming of activities and events to attend in the coming week. Enjoy!!

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