It Was Done...

 In recent weeks, the Rome City School District has learned that two of our elementary schools have worked their way off of the NYS schools in need of improvement list. Congratulations to John Joy Elementary and Denti Elementary schools who have effectively worked together to improve student achievement and outcomes. In many cases, working your way off of one of these lists is a task that many say cannot be done. If you're ever bored and enjoy doing some research, take a look at the schools on the State's list every year and you will notice that very little changes from year to year. In many cases, once on the list, you can make continuous progress every year and never come off the list. The main reason for this is that no matter what, the State identifies 5% of all schools to be in need of improvement each year. So even if you double your academic performance in any given year, you could still be on the list if you fall into the bottom 5%. When you think about that, it makes the accomplishment of Joy and Denti all the greater!! Not only did they improve, but they also improved at such a rate that they surpassed schools that were not on the list, to begin with. Due to the sliding scale, you not only have to outperform your history, but you also have to outperform others who started ahead of you. Similar to starting a race after others are already running. Not only do you have to catch up, but you also have to pass others. The students, teachers, support staff, leaders, and families of both Joy and Denti have a lot to be proud of, and we are proud of them. Over the last few years, they have all worked tremendously hard, in the face of many adversities, to stay focused on improving their students. The education profession has arguably never been more challenging than it is today, and these professionals have gone above and beyond to see to it that children are growing each and every day. Beyond Joy and Denti, this is the standard for all of our schools and we are fortunate to have amazing educators in each of our schools doing great things every day with our students. Working your way off of these lists is something that many people thought couldn't be done, and oftentimes felt that no matter it couldn't be done. Thank you to our Joy and Denti staff members who have proven that this isn't true. It was done!! Congratulations!!

Congratulations Coach Swave

Congratulations to RFA physical education teacher and coach, Ted Swavely, who has been named the 2023 New York State AHPERD Central North Zone Professional of the Year!! Awarded by the Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance, this award goes to a single individual each year who is recognized as an extraordinary leader. Coach has recognized and advanced students, programs, and initiatives within the field of physical education. Thank you and congratulations Coach for everything you have done for our students and community!!

Souper Bowl Event

On Wednesday, March 29, the RFA Art Club will be hosting a combination craft fair and art show, all with food, called the Souper Bowl. The event will run from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. in the RFA cafeteria. There are small fees associated to different activities and you have the opportunity to take home a handmade ceramic soup bowl made by a local artisan. For more information, please visit our website at: https://www.romecsd.org/article/1039196.

2023-2024 Calendar

The 2023-2024 school calendar was approved last week by the Board of Education. To see the calendar for next year, please visit our website at: https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/2645/RCSD/2837308/2023-24_School_Calendar.pdf.

Board of Education - Petitions Available

This year, there are four (4) open seats on the Board of Education. All four of these seats will be available on July 1, 2023. The term limit for three of the open seats is three years, expiring on June 30, 2023 and the fourth seat is to complete the remainder of a term, which is one year expiring on June 30, 2024. Completed petitions must include one hundred (100) qualified signatures and must be returned to the business office of the district at 409 Bell Road, and are due back before 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, April 26, 2023. Petitions are available for pick up at the business office of the Rome City School District. Any questions regarding open seats for the Board of Education can be directed to the business office or the Board of Education President, Mr. Joe Mellace.