Welcome 2022...
I hope that everyone has had a wonderful start to the New Year and is welcoming the new year with optimism and excitement. Over the last few weeks of 2021, there were some developments that will directly affect schools in the coming weeks as it relates to COVID. While we have yet to receive updated school guidance regarding quarantine/isolation periods, the CDC has announced a shortened 5-day quarantine/isolation period for select cases and individuals. This would be a drastic and much less disruptive situation if NYS adopts these parameters for school-related situations. Also, NYS has been promoting the implementation of Test-to-Stay (TTS) programs for students and staff in schools. I expect that Oneida County will have parameters in place for this program in the coming weeks and that schools will be able to extend this as an additional option to help families and students in the future. Finally, as you may be aware, Governor Hochul this week has announced that NYS has provided at-home COVID test kits for students throughout the State. Each test kit contains two tests and the district will be receiving one kit per student. Our plan will be to begin distribution of these test kits on Monday, January 3 in the afternoon. Details regarding pick-up locations and times will be available as soon as possible, Monday morning. Testing of students is completely voluntary and is not required as schools reopen tomorrow. One thing to keep in mind with the at-home test kits, the district will not be collecting results or interpreting the results. If you choose to utilize the free test kits, any results would need to be sent directly to the Oneida County Health Department. This is a different process than what will be required for a TTS program, however, the availability of tests for families that desire to test their student(s) is a good thing. As we navigate the next few months, who knows what other changes will come our way. If there is one thing that this pandemic should have taught us by now, it's that change can occur often and quickly. I am hopeful that with all of the lessons that have been learned over the last 22 months, that we will be able to begin seeing more consistency throughout 2022. Regardless of what comes our way, I am confident that the students and staff in Rome can handle any obstacle thrown their way this year. If not anything else, maintaining a "can do" attitude and persevering through every situation to make the best of each challenge has been a success. For those reasons, we welcome 2022 and hope that all of our community has an enjoyable and safe start to the New Year!!
NYS Seal of Civic Readiness
The Rome City School was chosen as a pilot district for our students to have the opportunity to earn the new Seal of Civic Readiness from the New York State Education Department. The New York State Seal of Civic Readiness (NYSSCR) is a formal recognition that a student has attained a high proficiency in their Social Studies coursework and demonstrated civic engagement. All applications must be returned to your child's school counselor by January 14, 2022. For details about the Seal and for information regarding the application process, please visit our website at https://www.romecsd.org/news_page/seal_of_civic_readiness_for_the_senior_class.
Regents Exam - Calendar Change
In mid-December, the New York State Education Department announced that they have canceled the January administration of the Regents exams. With this cancelation, there will be a change to the school calendar for high school students. January 25-28, will be full, regular school days for all students in the district. Previously, high school students were scheduled to have these days off, but with the cancelation of the exams, these will now become full school days. Please adjust your calendars appropriately and we will continue to provide reminders.
School Closing/Delay Information
As a reminder, poor weather and/or other conditions occasionally necessitate the closing of schools. In the event of an emergency closing, parent/guardians and students are notified by means of announcements on local radio, television stations, Parent Square, social media (Facebook and Twitter) and the District website. The decision to close is based upon several criteria – wind speed in combination with temperature, present and predicted precipitation and overall road conditions. Also, keep in mind that Rome is a school district of roughly 72 square miles and overall road conditions might not be the same in one part of the district as in other areas. Announcements of school closings/delays are generally made beginning at 5:45 a.m. In some instances, it may be necessary to make announcements as late as 6:30 a.m.
As a reminder, poor weather and/or other conditions occasionally necessitate the closing of schools. In the event of an emergency closing, parent/guardians and students are notified by means of announcements on local radio, television stations, Parent Square, social media (Facebook and Twitter) and the District website. The decision to close is based upon several criteria – wind speed in combination with temperature, present and predicted precipitation and overall road conditions. Also, keep in mind that Rome is a school district of roughly 72 square miles and overall road conditions might not be the same in one part of the district as in other areas. Announcements of school closings/delays are generally made beginning at 5:45 a.m. In some instances, it may be necessary to make announcements as late as 6:30 a.m.
