LEADING THROUGH LISTENING

The month of April is National School Library Month. As the month comes to a close, School Library Month is the American Association of School Librarians' celebration of school librarians and school libraries. Every April school librarians are encouraged to host activities to help their school and local community celebrate the essential role that strong school libraries play in transforming learning. While this April has certainly been unlike any April that we have experienced, our school librarians have been working behind the scenes to ensure that teachers, administrators, students, and families have all of the resources needed to be successful and to grow. Just like everyone else in our world right now, our library staff has been brainstorming ways to reinvent school library services to support during this crisis. Absent the current situation, our librarians are always at the ready to help students and staff access literature and learn about all of the wonderful offerings a l

Amidst all of the craziness of the Coronavirus, it is important to continue to participate in the sharing of positive and good that is happening in our world. This coming Wednesday marks the annual day dedicated to recognizing the Administrative Professionals that work in our community. Over the years, position titles have changed from secretary to assistants to many other titles, but these individuals continue to be the backbone of our organization. During this shut down, the clerical staff of the Rome City School District has been nothing short of a miracle for our community. A lot like every other staff member, they have been forced to learn new things, new responsibilities, and new procedures to support our staff, students, and community; the difference being, they have done all of this behind the scenes with little recognition. They have been to work manning phones, greeting and assisting the public, and responding on a moments notice when their support is needed. On a day to

As we enter into the second month of school closure, some of the questions that have been brewing are starting to be answered. While there are many unknowns, including when this is going to end, there are some important topics that we are beginning to have clarity on. Most importantly, it appears as if we are at the onset of what many experts believe to be the worst weeks for Upstate New York. Regardless of all else, please continue to follow the advice of our medical professionals and take care of each other. Below, please find some basic informational updates for you. A complete source of information related to this current situation can be found on our COVID-19 dedicated website at: https://sites.google.com/romecsd.org/rcsdcovid-19updates/home . WHEN DO SCHOOLS RE-OPEN: As of now, the Governor has all NY State schools until April 29, 2020. This is the number question that we continue to receive and unfortunately, we do not have an answer beyond that. The Governor has