Win the Day...
As you know, our region and community has seen a significant increase in positive COVID cases over the past week. Fortunately, statewide, schools have not been the breeding ground for exposure and spread that many people feared. However, unfortunately, simple mistakes throughout all communities are raising cause for people everywhere. Despite increases in positive cases, there are still many folks that are non-believers and some that will refuse to follow simple health and safety guidelines that are in place to protect everyone. If we want schools to remain open, we all need to remember to remain calm, and follow the simple requirements. Currently, and rightfully so, there is an element of panic beginning to creep into our region. Our positive rates are higher now than at any point in the spring, so concern, stress, and anxiety are expected. However, this is the very reason why we have professionals in the medical and health profession who help guide us through to the promised land. We are going to have children who attend school get quarantined. We are going to have adults who work in schools test positive. We are going to have parents of kids quarantined or test positive. The combinations of possibilities are endless, but in the end, we all need to remain calm and do the job that we were trained to do. I was trained to be a superintendent, not a health care provider or agent of the Department of Health. I do not have the capability to make a judgement on when someone should or should not be quarantined. What I do have is the ability to read the documents that are provided and consult with health professionals on what their opinion on a situation may be. There are going to be situations where people may disagree with health professionals about their requirements and requests, but that doesn't mean they are wrong. Most often, a disagreement comes as a result of anxiety, stress, and/or fear. All of which are understandable emotions in the world we live in. However, we all must remember to stay calm and follow the lead of our medical experts. They have the expertise to help us through this. We have the expertise to help teach kids and support each other through difficult times. We can and will win the day, but we need to do so under the guidance of our health department and medical professionals. Our own personal opinions are not going to help anyone remain focused and stay calm. I urge everyone to please remember that increasing panic and anxiety will not help anyone, especially if the fear and stress is caused by false information and/or biased statements. As we enter these next few crucial weeks, please work together, trust our medical field both locally and regionally, and keep calm to win the day. By winning each individual day with facts, great attitudes, and support for each other; we will eventually win the year!
PreK Return
This week, we expect the heating system at Clough School to be completely repaired, which means we can welcome back our Pre-K students for in-person learning. Pre-K students whose families have indicated that they wanted in-person learning will return to school for their first day on Monday, November 16. Pre-K students will follow the same hybrid schedule as the elementary schools and more information, including details, will be provided to families through the building and teachers directly.
Inclement Weather - Emergency Days
Poor weather and/or other conditions have traditionally necessitated the closing of schools throughout winter months in upstate New York. This year, things will be slightly different as the NYSED has provided opportunities for schools to utilize remote learning, as opposed to an emergency closure. Due to our approved school calendar having impacts on our contractual requirements with our staff, the Rome City School District will continue to use emergency days (if necessary), but, will also take advantage of the remote learning opportunity (when possible). In order to function with remote learning, we would still need our buildings open for administrators, clerical staff to answer phones, and provide instructional spaces for teacher to work from. In some instances, weather conditions may not be suitable for any travel and in those cases we will be completely closed, as in years' past. Information regarding what remote days will look like will be available in the coming weeks, so please stay tuned for that letter. One thing we do know, there will be no use of delayed openings this year. A day that was traditionally used for a delay, will be a remote learning day. Announcements of school closings will continue to be made through social media, local news media, and our automated phone systems.
Veteran's Day Reminder
As we prepare to celebrate the fine women and men of our military this week, please remember that schools will be closed this Wednesday, November 11, in honor of this holiday. Please take a moment to pay respect to the brave individuals who have defending our country and our freedoms throughout history.
