Class of '22...

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 There is no doubt that the pandemic has had some kind of effect on everyone and every group. However, it can be argued that the Class of 2022 has been impacted more than any group of students during their high school experience. Yes, their ninth-grade year was what we would consider a traditional school year for these students, but is ninth grade really a normal year for kids? First-year of high school, new places, new people, new opportunities. There is not much about a kid's first year of high school that feels normal and simple. Then, for this group of students, little did anyone know that the next 3 years of their high school experience would be impacted in some way due to the pandemic. This group of students has had to spend the rest of their high school lives adapting, adjusting, and showing real-life skills that many adults are still trying to figure out. Between the sudden switch to remote learning that had never been done by any secondary school on a large scale basis before, to the constantly changing regulations and rules that governed what happened next. With every passing change, this group of kids adapted and made recommendations on what can be done to incorporate a new change into their lives to make it feel more like school should feel. There is no doubt in my mind that this group of young adults is better prepared to enter the real world than any other before them. You can argue that perhaps there was some of that "learning loss" that people want to talk about or they may not know the content of their subjects the way that others have. Sure, that may exist. But in the real world, almost all professions have access to resources while doing their jobs and the ability to access resources, understand them, and adjust on the fly is way more important than passing tests. The fact is that the Class of 2022 has grown more than any other group of teenagers that I have seen and they have skills that are far superior to many students leaving high school before them. Perhaps when we look back on this pandemic in 20 years, we will be thankful for all of the craziness that it caused our schools because out of it came a resilient, wise, and adaptive generation of people who will someday be our nation's leaders. To that end, congratulations RFA Class of 2022!! Go forth and show the world that there is nothing that can't be accomplished with a little imagination and perseverance. On behalf of our entire district, good luck and we look forward to you all changing the world!!

Happy Father's Day!!

I would be remiss if I didn't wish all of our Dads out there a Happy Father's Day today!! It's rare that Father's Day coincided with the final blog of the school year, which I always dedicate to our senior class. Just as with Mother's Day, our dads are part of the first team of teachers that we have in our lifetime. I hope that all of the dads out there in our community have a wonderful day and enjoy every minute of it with your family!! 

Graduation Information

We are one week away from the 153rd Commencement of Rome Free Academy and the celebration for the Class of 2022. The ceremony will once again take place at the stadium on Turin Road beginning at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 25. Please note that the processional of students begins promptly at 9:45 a.m. In order to ensure that you are able to view the entire event, it is crucial that you arrive at the Stadium no later than 9:30 a.m. as parking is at a premium. Rehearsal for the event will take place on Friday, June 24 at 9:00 a.m., also at the stadium. Detailed information regarding tickets, rain dates, indoor arrangements (if needed), and participation will be available through the students and the high school main office. Finally, we will also be live-streaming the graduation ceremony for anyone that is not able to attend in person. A link to the live stream can be found on our home page at www.romecsd.org. All questions related to graduation ceremonies and/or participation should be directed to the high school main office. 

Website Refresh

This weekend, the Rome City School District has launched a new website and mobile app. The goal of launching at the end of the year is to obtain feedback and work on any improvements over the summer. Please take a moment to check things out at www.romecsd.org and stay tuned for more updates.


Juneteenth Reminder

As a reminder, this year New York State will be recognizing Juneteenth as an official holiday. Schools will be closed on Monday, June 20. Juneteenth marks the day (June 19) when federal troops arrived in Galveston, Texas in 1865 to take control of the state and ensure that all enslaved people be freed. The troops’ arrival came two and a half years after the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation. Juneteenth honors the end of slavery in the United States and is considered the longest-running African American holiday.  

2022-2023 Immunization Requirements 

As you know, New York State has several requirements for school admission. These requirements are not COVID related and are the general requirements for schools in New York State. The link below will take you to the State Education Department website that outlines the required vaccinations. Please speak to your school nurse or family physician if you have any questions regarding any requirements. 

School Vaccine Requirements

Parent Information Regarding School Vaccines

Parent Portal Reminder

With the end of the year coming and report cards on the horizon, I want to remind folks that Parent Portal is the quickest and easiest way to monitor your child's academic progress. Parent Portal is an online method for families to access our student management system, SchoolTool. We will once again be utilizing Parent Portal this year for the communication of progress reports and ongoing grade reporting. If you do not already have an account and would like to sign up for an account, please contact your child's school.

Senior Chromebook Return

A quick reminder for all seniors. Please return your Chromebook to Mrs. Voci at RFA in room 1203 as soon as possible. Thank you!!

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