An Opposite Future...

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Do you remember those times when kids want to help themselves believe something that they know isn't right? I always love the laughter of a child that exclaims, "It's opposite day!" The ensuing laughter and joy of having everything be different than it is supposed to be is just fun. I mention this because I often wish I could have an opposite day, or go back in time to a point where the human race did not feel so entitled to everything. It seems to be that you hear people talking about entitlement of others on an increasing basis in society. There was a point in time where people were proud to have a job, to have a responsibility, and they would do anything for those that provided their family a way in life. In today's society though, having a good job or being a part of a good community isn't enough. People frequently defy their responsibilities and ask for extra if they have to do one iota's worth of work outside the normal scope. All too frequently, people feel that they have privileges that others shouldn't have, simply because they do what they are supposed to do, or because they have been doing their job longer than others. I often wonder, if you simply do what you are supposed to do as a member of a team or society, should you receive special accolades for it? Is it really entitlement or is it simply adults not knowing what they don't know and just following in the footsteps of what may have been before? Regardless, adults having a sense of entitlement is leading to an erosion of people having good will for others. I wish that we could have an opposite day, or week, or month. A time when we recognize that we are fortunate to have the things that we have provided to us, simply for doing the tasks and roles that we are supposed to do. Honor and pride in a job well done seem to be a thing of the past. Let's bring honor and pride in our work back.  Let's turn opposite day into an opposite future where privilege may be earned, but is not taken advantage of.

January Regents Exams


 Rome Free Academy will be having Regents Exams beginning Tuesday, January 21 through Friday, January 24. RFA students who are not scheduled to take exams they do not have to attend school those days as regular classes will not be in session at RFA. RFA BOCES students will have morning and afternoon transportation to attend their respective programs throughout the week as their classes are still in session. For more information, including the exam schedule and transportation schedule, please contact Rome Free Academy.

Rome Youth Wrestling


Do you have a student interested in learning more about the sport of wrestling? The Rome Youth Wrestling Program is looking for students in grades kindergarten through eight who are interested in learning the art of wrestling. Every Tuesday and Thursday from 5:30-6:30 p.m. from January 14 - March 5, students can get some training from our RFA coaching team. The session will take place in the Strough gym (wrestling room) and for more information, please see their flier HERE .


Here Comes the Bus


 As mentioned in the fall, one of the best new features we have available this year is a software GPS mapping system called, Here Comes the Bus. Thanks to the technology available with GPS navigation, you can now follow your child's bus from the convenience of your home or smart phone. For more information about the program, including how to download the app and register for the program, please use the link below.




CNY STEM Scholarships


SRC, Inc., Loretto, TTM Technologies, King + King Architects, and INFICON, in partnership with the CNY STEM Hub, are pleased to announce the 2020 CNY STEM Scholarship Program. This scholarship program, now in its 8th year, is open to graduating high school seniors who will be majoring in Electrical or Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, Computer or Software Engineering, Nursing (including PA or NP programs), or Architecture, starting in the Fall, 2020. Students in the following counties may apply: Cayuga, Cortland, Madison, Oneida, Onondaga, Oswego, and Tompkins. This year’s scholarship program will provide financial support and at least one paid summer internship at the participating companies, pending business conditions. Last year’s scholarship winners were from Cicero-North Syracuse, East Syracuse-Minoa, Fayetteville-Manlius, Hannibal, ITC @ Syracuse Central, New Hartford, Nottingham and Westhill High Schools. There is no financial eligibility requirement. Students attending a college or university in New York State majoring in the select STEM areas will be given preference during the selection process. Finalists will be chosen based on academic merit, extracurricular activities, honors/awards, and an essay related to STEM. Recipients will be determined by an in-person interview. The online application and additional information can be found on the CNY STEM Hub website at www.cnystem.com. The application deadline is MARCH 1, 2020. Selections will be made in April and all applicants will be notified by May 1, 2020. If you have any additional questions related to the program, send inquiries to info@cnystem.com. 

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