Thank You Counselors...

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National School Counseling Week 2022 (#NSCW22) is Feb. 7-11, 2022, to focus public attention on the unique contribution of school counselors within U.S. school systems. National School Counseling Week, sponsored by ASCA, highlights the tremendous impact school counselors can have in helping students achieve school success and plan for a career. In Rome, we are fortunate to have one of the best teams of school counselors around. While many school districts are still working towards providing school counselors at the elementary level, the Rome community has supported elementary school counseling for a long time now. Our counselors and student support department have been pioneers throughout the region. Beyond the fact that our staffing is second to none, the quality of support that is provided to our students and staff is of the utmost quality. Throughout this entire pandemic, our counselors have been there to support students, families, and our staff alike. On a daily basis, they go above and beyond the job description to ensure that whoever needs them, is getting the support that is necessary. Our counselors are among the first to volunteer for new initiatives and to participate in collaborative/community efforts. The list goes on and on when it comes to the work our school counseling team does and the support that they provide to our school community. So, during this coming week, please join me in celebrating, thanking, and admiring our amazing school counselors here in the Rome City School District. For more information related to National School Counseling Week, including activities that you can use to recognize your school counselor, please visit their website at: https://www.schoolcounselor.org/Events-Professional-Development/Events/National-School-Counseling-Week. 

COVID Test Kits

The Governor's office continues to send weekly test kits to school districts, similar to the kits that were provided on New Year's weekend. Each test kit contains two (2) at-home COVID test kits. At this point, we will be distributing test kits to any individual in the community who is in need of test kits at the district office, Monday through Friday, between 8:00 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. If needed, test kits can also be picked up at your child's school during normal school hours. Unfortunately, we cannot send home tests with students as they do have warnings to keep out of the reach of children. We will continue the test kit giveaway until the supply of tests runs out. 

Isolation Update

In an attempt to clear up consistent confusion that families are receiving from the Health Department related to isolation orders and time frames, the Rome City School District will be adjusting our official isolation time frame to five (5) days, to ensure that we are in alignment with the County. Students who have tested positive and are asymptomatic on day six (6), may return to school from isolation. Please continue to work with your school nurse and administration if questions arise. 

Calendar Update

In having conversations with our faculty and administration, a request for additional time to collaborate and have professional learning opportunities arose. In reviewing the school calendar, we will be implementing three (3) half days in the months of March, April, and May. We currently have these dates already scheduled as remote learning half days (which were canceled in the fall due to the week of remote learning), however, we are going to reinstate them as in-person learning half days. The dates of the upcoming half days will be Friday, March 18, Friday, April 8, and Friday, May 27. Please mark your calendar accordingly and future reminders will be provided. 

Redistricting Forum & Update

On Wednesday, February 16 there will be a redistricting community forum and update held at Strough Middle School beginning at 6:00 p.m. The forum will include an update, as well as an opportunity for questions and comments. To view the most recent information provided at the last meeting, please visit our website at: https://www.romecsd.org/news_page/redistricting_meeting_documents.

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