Back to School Prep...

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As we enter the middle of August, summer feels like it is coming to a close quickly. I hope that everyone has had an enjoyable and recharging summer to date. We've run the gamut of weather options so far in upstate New York, so here's hoping that the last few weeks are calm. With the start of the 2018-2019 school year quickly approaching, getting students (and adults) back into the routine of school can sometimes be a challenge. While there is no "one-stop shopping" approach to helping someone acclimate back into a school routine, there are many articles out there than can be useful. This article is called '101 Back-To-School Tips for Kids and Parents' that has several useful strategies and thoughts for all of us. Many people may already be very aware of some of these items and there may be items that you wouldn't have even thought of. Either way, I encourage you to take a look at the article (as well as other articles online) as you and your children prepare for the upcoming school year. Enjoy the remainder of the summer and we look forward to having everyone back in action in a few more weeks!!

Peach Jar Program

For the 2018-2019 school year, the Rome City School District will be working with a vendor to electronically distribute fliers that are typically copied and sent home through backpacks. Beyond just the distribution of fliers, the program can also allow individuals to register or sign up for events online; allowing building staff's to have a better handle on attendance figures prior to an event. Families will be receiving more information and emails regarding the program in the coming weeks. If you would like to see a preview of the program, you can visit their website at https://www.peachjar.com/


School Supplies

For the 2018-2019 school year, the District has decided that we are not going to require pre-k through sixth grade families to purchase school supplies for children. Due to significant disparities between classroom requests, numerous complaints about consistency of availability of supply lists, and understanding the challenge that purchasing supplies can place on some families; the District made the decision to include school supplies for students within the 2018-2019 approved budget. Despite speaking publicly about the topic and the information being provided through multiple mediums, there still remains some confusion over the purchasing of school supplies. Students in grades pre-k through sixth will not be asked to purchase supplies or be provided with any kind of required list of supplies. Any parent wishing to purchase supplies for their children may still do so if they desire. Also, we have an abundance of backpacks available through donations in previous years. If you are in need of a backpack please contact your child's school to make arrangements to obtain one. 


Strough Update

The Strough building project continues to plug along with the repointing of brick and finishing touches on the parking lot being completed currently. Inside the building, the classrooms and instructional items continue to come together nicely. At this point, furniture is being delivered and installed, waxing and cleaning of floors is occurring, installation of district operated door locks is occurring, and fire alarm testing is prepared to get underway. Aside from various items that are known as "punch list" items in a construction project, the last remaining major install over the coming weeks is the technology infrastructure and hardware. Punch list items throughout the building include touch up paint, floor preparation, moving of some whiteboards, and some other related touch up work. Teacher materials continue to be delivered and placed in classrooms in preparation for teacher access to the building, scheduled for August 22. Things are coming together and I look forward to the instructional spaces that are middle school students will be provided in the very near future!

2018-2019 School Health Requirements

For the 2018-2019 school year, there are changes to the immunization requirements and health screening requirements. For a copy of the updated immunization requirements from the Department of Health, please click the link below. Other changes to health screenings include:

Health Examinations required in grades pre K or K, 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, and 11.

Vision and Hearing Screening required within 6 moths of entering school and in grades pre K or K, 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, and 11.

Scoliosis Screenings are required for females in grades 5 and 7, and for males in grade 9.

Please speak to your school nurse or family physician if you have any questions regarding these new requirements.


Pre-K Program Times

For those families that have students attending the pre-k program (either 3-year-old or 4-year-old), please note that the start times have changed for this year. The morning session will run from 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and the afternoon session will run from 12:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Communication has been occurring during the registration process and for more information, please contact the pre-k office.

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