Our Words Matter...

The phrase, "choose your worlds wisely," has been around for most likely since the beginning of time. While the phrase has historically been used in situations where someone's words may get them hurt, I am referring to the phrase while we are in the comfort or confines of our own homes and in public places. People may wonder why I care? The answer is simple: on an increasing basis, our youngest children are coming to school using language (in context) that is hurtful and inappropriate. The spike in use of foul language by students as young as 5 needs to be addressed by all of us. As you know, students spend minimal time each week in school, which is why it is important that our homes and community areas are free of language that young children shouldn't be using. Children learn more through the actions and behaviors in their lives than they do at school. While schools work to instruct students on standards and information that is mostly based in academia, many behaviors/actions are learned behaviors that come from places outside of the school and sometimes outside the home. While we all know that adults have the right to use inappropriate language when they are in adult situations, we have to work on getting back to a society where certain types of language are not acceptable in the main stream. Our children are growing up thinking that very hurtful and foul language is norm for our society. It is literally as easy as working to make sure that we as adults are not using language (or allowing our children to view shows/internet sites) that is littered with foul language. Our children can grow up in a society that is much more supportive and positive if we as adults simply work to help them understand that foul language is not a part of appropriate societal language. Our words do matter as our children are always learning and constantly trying to make their parents proud. It's inherent in the human species, so I ask you to please, choose your words wisely.

RFA Marching Band

CONGRATULATIONS to the RFA Marching Band! If you haven't heard by now, the RFA Marching Band won their first ever State Championship last weekend while competing at the Carrier Dome in the New York State Field Band Championships. The band has consistently been placing in the top 3 in recent years and was finally able to break through with a victory by 2 points over seven other schools. Congratulations to all of our students, staff, and volunteers that work with the band on this great achievement. RFA Pride!!

Parent Portal - Video Guide

As we come to the end of the first marking period and get ready to release the first report cards for the year, this is a reminder that we will be using Parent Portal to deliver the report cards for 2018-2019. In order to obtain your child's progress reports and report cards this year, you will need an account for parent portal. Once you log in, and a report has been published, you will easily be able to view these reports in your portal. If you do not already have an account, and would like to sign up for an account, please contact your child's school. For more information/assistance on using Parent Portal or the Rome City School District app, please visit the following website for video guides on both: Parent Portal / RCSD App Video Guides

Ridge Mills Craft Fair

On Saturday, November 10th, from 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m., the Ridge Mills PTG will be hosting their annual craft fair at Ridge Mills Elementary School. Catch some holiday spirit and do some holiday shopping at the one and only Ridge Mills Craft Fair! There will be over seventy crafters and vendors, plenty of parking and refreshments for sale in the cafeteria! For more information, please contact the school.

STEM Career Exploration Events

This is a special opportunity to learn about Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM)careers in CNY. Did you know that New York companies have more STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Math) jobs than we can fill? And, the demand for new STEM graduates is twice the amount of non-STEM fields! Come join this exciting new program that will offer students the opportunity to explore various careers in STEM. Students, aged 12 and older, from any CNY School District, are invited to register. There is no cost for program – we want as many students as possible to be able to explore all that CNY has to offer in STEM careers! The format will consist of presentations, activities and discussions with STEM professionals. Event information is as follows:

November 1: SRC Inc. @ East Syracuse-Minoa H.S., 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

November 7: Aerospace Alliance @ Solvay H.S., 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

November 15: Marquardt Switches @ Stockbridge Valley H.S., 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

If you have any questions, please contact Joe Vargo at 448-1012 or joev@macny.org. To register for any of the events, please visit http://www.cnystem.com/careers/