Happy Holidays...

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 It's hard to believe that we are already 4 months through this school year!! It seems like just yesterday that we were getting schools back into the full swing of things in this post-COVID school environment. While we were all eager to welcome a world that was more "normal" than the past two years, no one was prepared to wade through the challenges that many students and families would bring to the table as a result of the last two years. During these four months, we have had many ups and downs, but through it all, we have continued to remain focused on our goal. At times, patience has worn thin and stress has overcome the process... but we move forward. The staff of the Rome City School District are second to none and will continuously go above and beyond to support students and their families. Nothing in the world of education is what the general person would assume it is, with the job of working in a school getting more and more challenging. We are fortunate to have so many positive relationships with each other, our families, our students, and our community partners. I hope that everyone in our community has an opportunity over the coming two weeks to enjoy some family time, reflect on the past in hopes to create a better future, relax and recharge, and most importantly have some fun and create memories that will last a lifetime!! I am very thankful for the large family that is the Rome City School District and to quote my favorite movie of this season, I wish all of you the most wonderful holiday season and the hap hap happiest New Year since Bing Crosby danced with Danny Kaye (this is a PG blog gang)!!! Be well everyone and I will see you in 2023!!

ThougthExchange Project

Last weekend, the district has launched a ThoughtExchange for families and staff to learn more about what skills and characteristics our students need to be successful learners in the future world. This is part of a project to develop a Portrait of a Learner. To participate in our ThoughtExchange, please visit the link: https://tejoin.com/scroll/235831319. We ask that you please share your thoughts on the questions, as well as rate the responses of others. This exchange will be open until the end of the day on Thursday, December 22.

Holiday Recess

Please mark your calendars for the holiday recess. Schools will not be in session from Friday, December 23, 2022, through Monday, January 2, 2023. Students will return to school on Tuesday, January 3, 2023. Also, please note that all facilities will be closed during the recess with the exception of Tuesday, December 27 through Thursday, December 29. During this time, clerical coverage within all facilities will be minimal, so if you need to contact a school and/or the district office, email is the preferred method of communication during the recess.

Oneida County Overdose Awareness

The Oneida County Overdose Response Team has issued a Fentanyl awareness alert to make the public aware of illicit fentanyl drug trends that have been linked to five overdose deaths within the past month. I am sure folks are aware of the increased exposure to illegal substances such as this, including their dangers. For more information regarding the Overdose Response Team's alert, please visit the Oneida County website at https://ocgov.net/content/oneida-county-overdose-response-team-issues-fentanyl-awareness-alert.


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