It's Mother's Day...

On this Mother's Day, we all need to take a moment to reflect and think about the value our mother's have added to our lives. We've all heard the old sayings about how our parents are our first teachers, and there is truth to that. One of the nice things about being an adult is that you learn to appreciate the moment and enjoy the little things in life as you learn that not everyone has the same life that you may have. You also learn to value those in your life that helped raise you and you understand a parents unconditional love. Our mothers and parents truly have our best interest in mind when making every decision that they do while we grow. Most people can remember several instances where frustration set in with regard to a decision or action by our parents while growing up. It doesn't mean that parents are always right, but they certainly do the best the know how when the moment calls for it. What does all this mean? It means that we need to take more time and recognize that our parents care about us more than we imagine. As a teenager (and college student) I certainly did not have the understanding of family that my parents deserved. As an adult, the picture could not be more clear. Our parents truly are our first teachers and they never stop. Life is too short for grudges and conflict, everyone shows their affection in different ways but a simple phone call, meal, or card goes a long way. So on this Mother's Day, I hope that you all take a moment to truly recognize and thank your mom and to all of the mothers out there today, Happy Mother's Day!!

Annual Budget Vote

The school district 2019-2020 budget and Board of Education member elections will be held next week on Tuesday, May 21 from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. More information regarding the proposed budget can be found here: SCHOOL BUDGET DETAILS

Voting locations are as follows:

First Ward: Staley Upper Elementary School – 620 E. Bloomfield St.
Second Ward: Staley Upper Elementary School – 620 E. Bloomfield St.
Third Ward: Lobby at City Hall – 198 N. Washington St.
Fourth Ward: Gansevoort School–  758 W. Liberty St.
Fifth Ward: Strough Middle School - 801 Laurel St.
Sixth Ward: St. Paul’s Catholic Church - 1807 Bedford St.
Seventh Ward: Life Church, 1110 Black River Blvd.
Eighth Ward: Stokes School – 9095 Turin Rd.
Ninth Ward: Stokes School – 9095 Turin Rd.
Tenth Ward: Westernville Library – 9172 Main St., Westernville

NYSPHAA Coaches Appreciation Day

Wednesday, May 15 is Coaches Appreciation Day is a day student-athletes are encouraged to thank school approved coaches who have had an impact in their life or high school athletic career. It was established in 2018 as a way to recognize all coaches at every level, including modified, who have coached Fall, Winter, and Spring sports within a NYSPHAA member school. NYSPHAA has also established the hashtag #NYSPHAACoachesDay for all social media posts for anyone who wants to share their favorite memories and stories throughout the day. Thank you to all of the wonderful women and men who work with our Rome Free Academy and Strough Black Knights!!

Paint Rome Purple

The 'Paint the Town Purple' campaign is part of a national effort by volunteers with the American Cancer Society to show support for local cancer survivors and to raise awareness for their local Relay For Life event. Our Relay For Life in Rome is scheduled for Saturday & Sunday, June 1st & 2nd at the NYS School for the Deaf. You can find out more at www.RelayForLife.org/RomeNY. On Wednesday, May 15, the American Cancer Society is Painting the Town Purple. We hope you will consider joining in this fun and worthwhile community project. We're hoping to see lots of great participation and a bunch of purple all around Rome on Wednesday, May 15th!

Parent University Kick-Off

The Rome Alliance for Education, in conjunction with the Rome Chamber of Commerce and Jervis Library, will be hosting their first ever Parent University event on Wednesday, May 15 from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at Strough Middle School. As part of the community schools initiative, Parent University is an opportunity for the Rome Alliance for Education to provide supports to parents in a variety of ways. This kick-off event is an opportunity for you to learn more about what they have to offer, as well as to provide information about what types of learning opportunities our parents need. For more information about the event, please contact the Rome Alliance for Education or see their flier HERE.

Contingency Day Give Back

We currently have one (1) unused contingency day for the 2018-2019 school year. After a careful review of the school calendar and activities for the months of May and June, the only day remaining this school year where there are no major activities occurring that cannot be rescheduled is Monday, June 10. Baring any unforeseen event happening between now and June 10, the Rome City School District will be closed on Monday, June 10 to finish the use of our contingency days. By utilizing this day, none of the student activities, field trips, or building events will be effected. Please mark your calendars for this date.

Rising Stars Summer/Fall Registration

Rising Stars is a fun learning experience that teaches stage and life skills through games and activities, individual coaching, and actual performances on the Capitol Stage. The program focuses on developing the students' own creativity, building self-confidence, improving reading comprehension and speaking ability, accepting responsibility, and teamwork. If you are interested in learning basic through advanced stage techniques, as well as life skills, Rising Stars may be for you!! For more information about the program and how to register, please visit their website at https://www.romecapitol.com/rising-stars/