Bias Or Ignorance...

Almost on a daily basis, I come across situations where I find myself wondering if the people involved in the situation truly can't understand more than one perspective. One of the hot topics in our world of education for the last several years has been the concept of bias and social justice. Taking social justice out of the conversation, for today, bias is simply put the viewpoints that one holds regarding others or other things. We all have them, whether you want to admit it or not, and some are worse than others. For instance, I am biased with regard to how I open a simple bag of chips. I am convinced that opening the bag from the bottom provides fewer broken chips and better flavor and no one can tell me differently. Okay, that example is a little absurd as we all know there is more than one way to open a bag of chips, but the example demonstrates a simple bias. In our schools, philosophy on homework, grades, discipline, and much more are all subject to our biases. The nice thing about bias is that we are able to admit and recognize that they exist which means that we can have growth-producing conversations about those topics. The problem with bias is when ignorance enters the picture. Ignorance is the worst enemy of all humans because it is a barrier to learning and growth. When ignorance shows up, people shut down and refuse to see more than one perspective. I have found in my experience that while it is not easy to recognize and admit bias, it can be done and generally makes someone a better, more well-rounded citizen when they can recognize and admit that their views may not be the only possible views that exist. I'm not sure that I've ever met someone that is willing to admit that they are ignorant. The "my way or the highway" attitude needs to be a thing of the past in our schools. Ignorance prevents a person from seeing anything in totality and creates an environment where adults believe that their perspective and/or feelings are the only ones that exist which create a situation that does not allow students, people, or organizations to grow. Compassion, understanding, and collaboration are what it takes to be successful in the real world. I recognize that in the real world, we still have deadlines, schedules, and mandates... but we can help students and people grow without being as rigid as a stone age razor. As we walk through life, the only way to overcome ignorance is to find a way to shift that mentality to bias, which then must be recognized and accepted by an individual so they can grow, and work with others to grow as a team. Obviously, there will always be work to do in this area, but it always starts with a single person recognizing that their way, is not the only way.

Martin Luther King Breakfast

Each year on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, our local NAACP hosts a breakfast in honor and remembrance of Dr. King. This year's event will be held on Monday, January 16, beginning at 7:30 a.m. at the Zion Episcopal Church in Rome. The keynote speaker is Pastor Jamina Lilley. Tickets are $20 for adults/$15 for children and can be obtained by contacting the Rome NAACP at 315-271-7703.

January Regents Exams Return

For the first time in two years, the January Regents exams are returning to schools. Just a reminder that during the week of January, 23, Rome Free Academy will be hosting the January Regents Exams, which will alter the student attendance schedule for the week. A copy of the exam schedule can be found on the NYSED website at

http://www.nysed.gov/state-assessment/january-2023-regents-examination-schedule.

For more information, including information regarding your student's schedule, exam needs, transportation, etc., please contact the main office at RFA, your student's teacher(s), counselor, or administration.

Show Choir Festival

Looking for a night of outstanding music and entertainment? On Friday, January 20, the RFA Show Choir will host their annual Show Choir Festival at RFA beginning at 7:30 p.m. Each year, show choirs from all around the region come together to perform an evening filled with top-notch vocal entertainment, combined with visual artistry that is second to none. Stop by RFA for an evening of music you won't soon forget!