RCSD News
February 2024
Dear Rochester City School District Families,
As we bid farewell to January and welcome the crisp days of February, I want to extend a warm greeting to all our RCSD families.
Last Friday, January 26, marked the conclusion of the second quarter, and I am pleased to inform you that report cards will soon be on their way. For students in grades 7 – 12, these will be delivered straight to your mailboxes while our younger learners in Kindergarten – 6th grade will eagerly bring them home in their backpacks.
As we step into February, we embark on a month of significance – Black History Month. In our District, we know that Black history is an integral part of American history, and our commitment to its exploration extends throughout the entire year. I am excited about the special experiences and unique opportunities that our students will encounter during this month.
In addition to our ongoing Black History Month learning, one highlight is the student showcase scheduled for February 15. This event promises to be a platform for our students to exhibit their talents and creativity in commemorating this rich history. Then, on February 29, the celebration continues with the 35th Annual Black History Month Celebration, where we will honor and acknowledge Black scholars for their outstanding academic achievements. I hope you can join us in recognizing the excellence of these students on these special occasions dedicated to their success.
February is also the month of love and a great opportunity for us all to share the things we love about the RCSD. Make sure you are following us on all social media platforms @RCSDNYS and using the hashtag #ONERCSD to share!
Sincerely,
Dr. Carmine Peluso
Superintendent of Schools
With Real Talk, we can make Real Change in our schools. Please participate in a quick anonymous survey by February 16 to gather your honest opinions and experiences in RCSD schools. Results from this survey will help provide the District with a basis for understanding and improving the educational climate for all. This survey is completely anonymous and can be accessed from any device here.
February Recess Reminder
There is no school for students from Monday, February 19 – Friday, February 23, and all facilities are closed on February 19 in recognition of Presidents’ Day. Classes will resume on Monday, February 26.
Black History Month Arts Student Showcase
Join us on Thursday, February 15, as we celebrate Black History Month with a student arts showcase, encompassing diverse student performances and art exhibitions. This event is at Central Office, 131 West Broad Street, 5:00 - 7:00 pm.
Board of Education Black History Month Observance
On Thursday, February 29, the RCSD and Board of Education will present the 35th Annual Black History Month Celebration. Black scholars in our high schools with an average 4.0 GPA or better will be honored for their incredible commitment to their education and academic success. A special thanks to all parents, family members, mentors, teachers, and other school staff who support our students each day! Please join us for a reception at 4:30 pm, with the program beginning at 5:00 pm. For more information about this event, visit www.rcsdk12.org/bhm.
Scholarship Opportunities for High School Seniors
Rochester Area Community Foundation
The Rochester Area Community Foundation common scholarship application is now open, where students can complete one application and apply for several local scholarships. More than 40 online applications for graduating high school seniors and vocational, undergraduate, and graduate students have been merged into one Consolidated Scholarship Application due on March 4. Completing this one application automatically puts you in the running for any and all scholarships in this group for which you are eligible. Click here for more information.
Scholarship Links
FAFSA Fests
Need help applying to college, figuring out how to pay for it, and making the best choice? Get free help at a FAFSA Fest! Visit www.rochestercan.org for information on upcoming events, where you can get free help from experts to fill out your financial aid forms and more.
Careers in Human Services at MCC
Interested in working toward a career in the growing field of Human Services? Recognized as one of the top community colleges in the country, Monroe Community College offers more than 100 degree and certificate programs and boasts one of the lowest tuition rates in the State University of New York system. For information on specific programs, please see the links below, or contact Nasim Sarvaiya in MCC Human Services at nsarvaiya@monroecc.edu.
It is not too early to be thinking about summer jobs, and the application for the Rochester Summer Youth Employment Program is now open! Applications will be accepted starting February 1 until all positions are filled. Once positions are filled, applicants will be placed on a waitlist and contacted pending openings. Work permits are processed and issued at your child’s school – see www.rcsdk12.org/workpermit for more information.
Parent University Events Coming Soon!
The Office of Parent Engagement is gearing up for Parent University in 2024. Please be on the lookout for upcoming events as the calendar is finalized and save the date – Saturday, March 9, is our Family Academy Saturday Kick-Off Event – more details are forthcoming.
February Parent Group Meetings
Parent Leadership Advisory Council (PLAC)
- General membership meeting is Thursday, February 8, 6:00 pm
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Choose the topics for this meeting by completing a two-question survey here: www.rcsdk12.org/plac
- Register here or email plac@rcsdk12.org for the Zoom link
- PLAC website
Special Education Parent Advisory Council (SEPAC)
- Monday, February 12, 6:00 - 8:00 pm
- Email rcsdsepac@gmail.com for the Zoom link
- SEPAC website
Bilingual Education Council (BEC)
- Tuesday, February 13, 5:00 - 7:00 pm
- Trent and Pamela Jackson R-Center, 485 North Clinton Avenue
- Interpretation, dinner, and childcare provided
- Email bec@rcsdk12.org or visit the BEC website for more information
Multilingual Parent Advisory Council (MPAC)
- Tuesday, February 27, 11:30 am - 1:30 pm
- 30 Hart Street, room 208
- Interpretation and lunch provided
- Email mpac@rcsdk12.org or visit the MPAC website for more information
High school students are invited to be part of an inspiring and transformational leadership experience at RIT's annual Women's Leadership Summit on Saturday, February 24, 2024. Engage in a day filled with dynamic speakers, network with current women college students, participate in a fun leadership skill-building experience, and get inspired about your own exciting career path for the future. Register by Friday, February 9, for the $20 fee per student to be waived!
Support Our Athletes!
The athletic schedules for all RCSD schools can be found on the Rochester City Athletic Conference webpage. In order to attend RCSD-hosted games, student spectators from the home and away teams must show a valid school ID. Students from any other schools must be accompanied by an adult who is at least 25 years old with a valid ID. Minors must be accompanied at all times.
PowerSchool Parent Portal gives real-time access to class schedules, attendance, assignments, grades, and contact information for teachers. High school parents can also monitor their child's progress toward meeting graduation requirements. For more information on downloading the app and creating an account, including a how-to video, visit www.rcsdk12.org/parentportal.
Custodial caregivers of RCSD students can opt in to receive text messages from us. All you need is a mobile number on file with your child’s school. Simply text Y to short code 67587 to begin receiving text messages. For more information about text messaging, visit www.rcsdk12.org/text.
Feeling Sick? Stay Home!
Staying home when sick helps to lower the risk of spreading infectious diseases, including COVID-19. Students with respiratory or gastrointestinal infection symptoms, such as cough, fever, sore throat, vomiting, or diarrhea, should stay home.
Here are some good reminders for everyone:
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick and stay home when you are sick.
- When coughing or sneezing, cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands), and then throw the tissue in the trash.
- Stay up to date on the seasonal flu and COVID-19 vaccinations.
2024-25 Bell Times
The bell times for the 2024-25 school year are posted on the website here. Aside from the middle schools, there are no major time changes.
Moving? New Phone Number?
If you move or change your phone number, please notify your child's school. It is very important that we have current email addresses, mailing addresses, and phone numbers (home/mobile) on file for your family to ensure you are receiving communications from your child's school, teachers, and the District.
School Closings for Inclement Weather
In the event of a school closure or delayed opening due to inclement weather or other emergency condition, the District notifies all families via robocall and email. Announcements are also shared with local television and radio stations and posted on the District’s website and social media pages.