Did We Forget...
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It's that time of year, when everyone involved in education begins to get a little bit antsy and squirrelly. When the calendar turns over to the month of June, it often feels like a perpetual full moon in schools. There's no doubt that kids and adults alike can feel the conclusion of a long year coming to a close, and the weather becoming nicer doesn't help either. As patience on all sides seems to wear out, I often wonder in my conversations with adults if we have forgotten how we all once were as a student? Or have we forgotten about the relationships and understandings that we've come to know about our students throughout the year. Yes, the year is coming to a close and many are looking forward to summer plans and various events or excursions with friends and families. But, did we forget that many of our students are losing their support system that they thrive on and need for 2 months? Did we forget that many students are facing food insecurity during the summer because schools aren't there for them? We didn't forget, however, we may not always recognize that some of the craziness in our students is caused by our reminders to students that summer is coming. Not everyone views these times of the year the same and for many it can be terrifying. Beyond the concerns of summer coming, have we forgotten what we may have been like when we were kids in the month of June. I often have conversations with adults in our profession where they will complain about a student behavior and I will ask them if they never acted like that in school. Ironically, most times the adult can recall a time in their life when they themself displayed the very behavior that they were complaining about with a student. I'm not talking major violations of a code of conduct, but simple little things like forgetting materials, skipping a class, being late to a class, talking too much... you name it. We've all done it. So why is it so upsetting and shocking to adults that kids are being kids at a time of year when everyone is charged up? So I have to ask, did we forget what it's like to be a kid? Have we not been able to learn about our students' lives enough throughout the year to understand the "why" things happen? I have to believe that we have not forgotten and we do know our kids. Perhaps the right way is to share our stories of being a kid with our students so that they realize that all of us adults are nothing more than big versions of them. We know that relationships are the cornerstone of education, there is nothing wrong with letting our students know where we came from and what helped build us. After all, it may be helpful to not forget what childhood and life was like while being a student ourselves.
District Art Show
Throughout the year, students throughout our district have been creating wonderful art through the instruction of our fantastic art teachers. In recognition of their efforts, the teachers have organized art shows to display the talents of our students throughout the district. One show is an ongoing show at the Rome Art and Community Center, and the second show will be held at RFA on Thursday, June 8, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Summer Chromebook Information
During the summer months, our technology department will be working diligently to upgrade our student devices. All students in grades K through 5 should leave their Chromebooks with their teacher and in their school for summer repair and updates to the devices. Students in grades 6 through 11 should take their Chromebooks home for the summer. Students in grade 12 should return their Chromebook at the completion of classes and before graduation. For more information about Chromebook collection, please contact your child's school.
Upcoming Calendar Reminders
As the school year comes to a close, please note that all elementary schools will have a half day on Fridays, for the next 3 weeks. More information will be provided directly to families by the school. Also, on Monday, June 19, all schools will be closed for the day in recognition of Juneteenth.
NAACP Juneteenth Weekend Celebration
During the weekend of June 16 through June 18, the Rome NAACP will be hosting a Juneteenth Weekend Celebration. The weekend will include live music, vendors, food, worship, and more. The festival will be held at Bellamy Harbor Park from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Friday, 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, and continuing at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday. For more information, please visit the City website at 
2023-2024 Sports Physical Dates
For any student interested in playing a scholastic sport in the 2023-2024 school year, our athletic department will be hosting physicals. The dates and locations for physicals are as follows:
- Monday, June 5 @ RFA from 7:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
- Tuesday, June 6 @ Strough from 7:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
- Monday, August 7 @ RFA from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
- Thursday, August 10 @ RFA from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
- Friday, August 11 @ RFA from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
- Thursday, August 17 @ RFA from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
For more information regarding any of these dates, or for requirements to participate in scholastic athletics, please contact our athletic department.
