Fabulous Mother's Day...

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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 parent's unconditional love. While we are in the midst of this COVID-19 crisis,  hopefully we have all been able to 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! Perhaps it has more to do with being a parent yourself that helps one understand the true value of our own parents. Regardless, 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. During this time specifically, the inability for mothers everywhere to connect with their children in person, makes the value of a small gesture even greater. So on this Mother's Day, I hope that you all take a moment to truly recognize and thank your mom. Happy Mother's Day to all of the moms in our community and I hope that despite the barriers presented by the current situation, you can find enjoyment and peace in knowing the love of your children can overcome any barrier. 

Parent Support Survey


Throughout the COVID-19 crisis, many needs continue to arise for everyone as it relates to many things socially, emotionally, mentally, and physically. In conjunction with many community agencies, our counseling department has been working to possibly develop a virtual group for parents who are struggling to balance this new environment. At this point they are in the very beginning stages and are looking to hear from parents. They have developed a very short survey that I am asking you to share with any parent that you know. This could be a teacher who works in the school district, a friend that's an essential worker, a family member who is struggling with helping their children with online learning, or maybe it's YOU... anyone who is a parent can fill this out! The survey link can be found here:
https://forms.gle/t2Y3LsDTc7qGALe29 

The group is planning to close the survey the evening of Monday May 11th, so that planning can commence.

BOE Petitions - 1 Day Remaining


Any community member interested in being on the ballot for one of the three open Board of Education seats has until 5:00 p.m. tomorrow, May 11, 2020 to submit their petition. This year, due to the COVID-19 crisis, there is no requirement for qualified signatures, just a signed petition. In order to obtain a petition, please contact our business office or email our Assistant Superintendent for Operations and Management, Robert Mezza, at rmezza@romecsd.org. 

Possible COVID-19 Development - Children


As many of you are probably aware, there has been developing news regarding how COVID-19 may be affecting children and the growing concerns related to this. It is probably too early to make a direct and significant connection, but the article below has a story about this growing concern in New York State. Please stay alert with your children regarding this new development. 
https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/73-ny-children-sick-with-rare-covid-related-illness-state-finds-with-one-death/2408285/

Facebook Page Update


A few days ago, the Facebook corporation locked the Rome City School District Facebook page for location and management verification purposes. Unfortunately, a lot has changed within the district since the page was initially created and this combined with the impossible task of contacting a physical person at Facebook has been extremely challenging for our staff. We are working diligently to get the page unlocked with Facebook and hope to have the problem resolved this week. Thank you for your understanding and patience.

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