Inching Closer...

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Over the past few weeks, the conversations around returning students to a full in-person learning experience have intensified throughout the country and the state. Infection rates are down, vaccines are available, the CDC has issued new guidance, elected officials are making statements that kids need to be in school, and all signs are pointing in a good direction. However, there has also been no new official direction from the New York State Health Department and/or the State Education Department. We are told not to expect any changes from their August 2020 guidance, despite the fact that we all know that a lot has changed. So, where does that leave us? While it may leave us slightly in limbo, we do know that there are options to bring more students back to school. The largest hurdles continue to be social distancing requirements and transportation, but many agencies are claiming that you can reduce the 6-foot distance by adding a barrier between students. If all students in Rome were to return to school for in-person learning, the cost to outfit all of our classrooms and cafeterias with barriers could be approximately $500,000. Since it is not likely that all kids would return to in-person learning, we need to get a new pulse on where families stand on this topic. This week, we are asking all students to complete another survey regarding the desired method of instruction for the remainder of the year. In this survey, there are two choices: full in-person learning or full remote learning, for the remainder of the year. We are in the final stages of planning for a return of students and need to have a better handle on the final bits of information that are missing. The most important piece of information that we need to have is an accurate count of the number of students to expect in the buildings. The survey linked below is intended to help us get accurate information regarding how many students may return to full in-person learning and we ask that you complete this survey no later than Sunday, March 21. To complete the survey, please visit: Return to FULL In-person Learning Form 

Parent Task Force

This past week, approximately 25 parents participated in an open conversation with the Board of Education regarding remote learning, hybrid learning, the past, present, and the future. In a conversation that lasted roughly 2 hours, participants used ThoughtExchange to help facilitate dialogue around what has worked well, what has not worked well, suggestions for improvement, and thoughts for additional information. To see the reports from the ThoughtExchange events to see how people feel, please visit our website at Rome City School District Parent Task Force Thoughts 

March 19 Reminder

This is a reminder that Friday, March 19 is now a regularly scheduled day of school. Originally scheduled as a Superintendent's Conference Day, the conference day was moved to December 2020 to provide an extended holiday recess. All schools and classes will operate on Friday, March 19; with the exception of Madison Oneida BOCES programs, who will still be having a conference day on March 19. 

Emergency Go Home Drill

Each year, the Madison-Oneida BOCES and their component districts conduct a 'Emergency Go Home' drill meant to mimic the need for an early dismissal. This year's Emergency Go Home drill is scheduled for Thursday, April 1, 2021. On this date, all students will be dismissed 15 minutes earlier than scheduled. 

SED Parent Newsletter

State Education Department (SED) Commissioner of Education, Dr. Betty Rosa, has released a new parent newsletter aimed to help families stay informed. NYSED has created many parent resources over the last year to continue providing information to families so they are updated on any changes coming to our schools. To view this months Parent Newsletter from Commissioner Rosa, please visit: Commissioner Rosa Parent Newsletter 

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