The Homestretch...
Believe it or not, we have made it to the month of April already and Spring Break is around the corner. Our students continue to grow and amaze with each passing week thanks to the work and dedication of our educators and school staff. We have successfully completed the first week of state assessments, passed a referendum, preparing for the first public presentation of the 2022-2023 budget, organizing the junior prom and senior ball, making plans for graduation and many more things that help us realize and remember what schools are all about. Generally speaking, the Spring is a time for celebrations of all kinds for schools, and not just for the senior class. There is no doubt that this year has been challenging in many ways and that there are still questions to be answered as we head into summer. Despite any obstacle, our teachers, leaders, and support staff have found a way to overcome and succeed, and for this, we should all be celebrating. I know that people from all facets of our school community are either completely out of energy or coming dangerously close. As we begin April, continue to take some time to recharge, enjoy the things in life that make you happy, and don't forget to find time to laugh and smile every day. Regardless of the circumstances, things can always be more challenging. However, looking at the faces of students and realizing that whatever trials and tribulations we think we are feeling and the problems that we think we have, they only care about being supported and enjoying their experience. We are fortunate to have some of the most amazing adults working with our kids, and as we round this final corner into April and the homestretch of the year, let's continue to focus on our students and each other. This community never ceases to amaze as we rally around our schools so let's enjoy this homestretch together!!
April 8 - Half Day
As a reminder, schools will be in session for a half-day on Friday, April 8.
Spring Break Reminder
As a reminder, schools will not be in session from Monday, April 11 through Monday, April 18 in observation of Spring Break. Schools will reopen for students on Tuesday, April 19.
TAP Survey Information
On Friday, April 8 students in grades 8, 9, and 11 will be invited to participate in a voluntary, anonymous, and confidential survey of Oneida County youth called the TAP Survey. This will be the sixth TAP Survey in a series that started in 1999. While the TAP survey has traditionally been administered every four years, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our youth has warranted a deviation from this schedule. The TAP Survey is administered through a partnership with Herkimer-Oneida Counties Comprehensive Planning Program, Oneida-Herkimer-Madison BOCES, and SUNY Polytechnic Institute and with the financial support of the Oneida County Department of Planning.
The TAP Survey traditionally examines teen concerns, behaviors, and opinions on a wide variety of topics - how they spend time, what grades they get, what worries them, how closely parents monitor their behavior, substance abuse, sexuality, depression, and more. This year, students will be asked to reflect on the social and emotional challenges that they faced throughout the pandemic and amid the transition to a remote learning environment. The combined results will give us an important picture of life for today's teens, and help us better understand what has contributed to our students’ collective resiliency throughout the pandemic. The information will be shared with the community so that parents can better understand and guide their children so that schools can work more effectively with students, and so that human service organizations can more effectively tailor their services.
Families will be receiving more information through ParentSquare that will come directly from RFA and Strough this week.
Go Home Early Drill
Each year, schools in New York State are required to conduct what is called a "go home early" drill. In our region, schools attempt to have this event occur on the same day to minimize disruptions for our local BOCES. This year, the go-home early drill will be occurring on Friday, April 8. For this drill, students will be dismissed from school 15 minutes earlier than regularly scheduled. Please make sure that necessary arrangements are made for students to arrive home from school earlier on that day.
Community Easter Egg Hunt
On Saturday, April 16, Life Church will be hosting a community-wide Easter Egg Hunt beginning at 12:00 p.m. for children ages 10 and under. The event will take place at 1110 Black River Blvd. For more information, please contact the church directly.
