A Little Reflection...

As the month of February comes to a close, it is important to reflect on the fact that this is Black History Month. Throughout the country, including several in our own city of Rome, there have been awareness events, celebrations, and opportunities for us all to learn something about the struggles that all minorities have faced in our society, and unfortunately continue to face today. For the first time in many years, our country is becoming increasingly divided by the hate known as racism. We are all human beings. We all live in the same great country. We should all be provided with the same opportunities to excel in life; regardless of the color of our skin, pronunciation of our last name, or where we grew up. Recent events that have happened in Chicago certainly do not help some people understand the concept of bias, privilege, and racism. I have heard many comments that attempt to paint all minorities with a negative conception due to the actions of one individual. This is simply not fair or right. One person does not signify an entire population of human beings. During this month, we have an opportunity to learn more about the history of blacks in our country and abroad. Without an understanding of why certain individuals feel oppressed or discriminated against, you can never begin to work to help the problem. We all have biases. Whether they are racial, gender oriented, athletic, academic, etc. Bias exists all around us and it always will. However, we can work to improve ourselves and our society when are willing to recognize our biases and work to counteract them. It is one of the most challenging things for any human being to do, but admitting we have a bias and working to ensure that we are not acting on our biases can be done. While I myself am not a minority, I do have family and close friends that cover every possible minority classification. It isn't until you are placed in a situation to be made uncomfortable that you can remotely begin to understand what blacks and minorities are faced with in our country every day. No one in this world asked to be discriminated against. No one in this world asked to be placed in the minority. The fact is, the terminology minority and majority should not even exist. We are all one. We are all human beings attempting to make the most of the precious life we have been granted. It is time to reflect on our biases and actions in life so we can attempt to begin improving our society. One of the best parts about the Rome community is our diversity. We have a golden opportunity to learn from and embrace many cultures, lifestyles, and personalities. Take time to reflect on your life and what you value/wish to accomplish in life. Let's work together to make our society the first truly inclusive society around! 

Congratulations RFA Top Ten

The Rome Free Academy Top Ten Class of 2019 was announced on Thursday, February 14th. One of the most challenging tasks for any student to accomplish is performing at the top of their class academically. For the 150^th graduating class of RFA, the Valedictorian is Kelly Boyer, with a weighted average of 101.73 and the Salutatorian is Izabella Rivera, with a weighted average of 101.32. The remaining students in the top ten are Anthony Acosta (101.11), John George (100.79), Tejas Desai (99.73), Ruqiyah Shaik (99.62), Justine Cammer (98.79), Patrick Balog (98.32), Preston Mecca (98.01) and Calla Reilley (97.95). Congratulations to the top ten! In addition to the top ten, two students have advanced to Finalist standing in the National Merit Scholarship Program (NMSP). Kelly Boyer and John George received a certificate of merit on Thursday from the NMSP by demonstrating through distinguished performance high potential for future academic accomplishment. Congratulations to all students and enjoy the final few months of high school!

Read Across America Week

Read Across America Day is held each year on March 2, Dr. Seuss's birthday. It was developed by the National Education Association to bring everyone together to celebrate reading. The Rome City School District will be celebrating Read Across America Week to celebrate literacy across the district on February 25 to March 1. There is a theme day for each day of the week from one of Dr. Seuss's books. On Friday, March 1 everyone in the district will drop everything and read from 1:45 p.m.  to 2:00 p.m. in observance of Read Across America Day. The goal is for students to see that everyone in the district is a reader no matter what their role is in the school. A copy of the flyer for the week is HERE, or you can see below for the listing of events for the week. 

62nd Annual Rome Science Fair 

The 62^nd Annual Rome Science Fair is open to the public on Saturday, March 2 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Rome Free Academy. The theme for this year’s science fair is “Look to the Stars”. There will be awards in the Senior Science Fair (7-12 grades) and awards totaling over $12,000 dollars! The Senior Science Fair covers 14 different categories, six different grades (7-12), three Specialty Awards, Team Awards, and the Grand Prize is a 2-year scholarship from MVCC ($8,500 value). The Rome Science Fair is a whole community event so stop on by to check out the exhibits! Questions can be directed to: Dr. Paul Phister, Co-Chair of the Rome Science Fair, 315-339-3113.

Best Tech Practices

Our information technology department continues to help educate folks on things related to technology and the cyber world that could be common occurrences or mistakes that people make online. This month, their tidbits are related to understanding the difference between phishing, vishing, and smishing. On an every increasing basis, cyber pirates are attempting to gain access to bank accounts and steal your information. In an effort to help you stay informed, please see this brief information page on what to be looking for as it relates to phishing, vishing, and smishing.