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RCSD News

November 2024 Family Newsletter

RCSD NewsNovember 2024 Family Newsletter

Dear Rochester City School District Families,


The school year is moving fast! With the first marking period ending on November 8, staying connected to your child’s school and teachers is essential. I encourage all families to regularly check the PowerSchool Parent Portal to stay current on your child's academic progress, grades, and attendance.


I want to stress the importance of having your child at school daily. This is necessary for them to learn, grow, and build relationships. Missing school, even just two days per month, can cause a child to fall behind their peers. Chronic absenteeism can have long-lasting negative effects on academic achievement and future opportunities. Help us support your child's success by ensuring they are in school daily. Attendance is a top priority for our District, and in this issue, I am sharing some important information about chronic absenteeism to illustrate the impact that it has on your child’s education.


There is no better time than this season to express my gratitude for your continued support. I am so grateful for our partnership and the dedication of our teachers and staff, who work tirelessly to provide the best educational experience for our students. I hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving celebrating with your loved ones.


Sincerely,

Demario Strickland

Interim Superintendent of Schools

November Dates to Remember

  • Superintendent's Conference Day: Tuesday, November 5 (No school for students)
  • Veterans Day: Monday, November 11 (All facilities closed)
  • Recess Day: Wednesday, November 27 (No school for students)
  • Thanksgiving Recess: Thursday and Friday, November 28-29 (All facilities closed)

Attendance Matters!

Chronic absenteeism puts students at a significant disadvantage in the classroom and their future academic and career opportunities. The US Department of Education defines chronic absenteeism as missing 10% or more days of the school year, which has significant negative impacts on students in the following areas:


  1. Academic Decline: Missing at least two days per month leads to gaps in learning, making it harder for students to keep up with grade-level content. This can result in poor grades and lower test scores.
  2. Lower Graduation Rates: Chronically absent students are more likely to fall behind and may struggle to graduate on time. In some cases, they are at higher risk of dropping out altogether.
  3. Weakened Social and Emotional Development: Regular attendance helps students develop social skills and build relationships with peers and teachers.
  4. Increased Behavioral Issues: Absenteeism is often associated with behavioral problems, as students who miss school may become disengaged and less motivated.


Our schools have dedicated staff and resources to support you in addressing challenges preventing your child from attending regularly. If you have concerns, please reach out to your child’s school. We are here to assist you.

SIGN UP TODAY! 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, visit www.rcsdk12.org/parentportal.

Hello families,


On October 9, the Student Leadership Congress (SLC) held its third official meeting of the school year. In the previous meetings, we got to know each other and talked about the basics of the SLC, and during this meeting, we began planning events for the months to come. We are ahead of schedule compared to this time last year.


With the holiday season approaching, the SLC would like to give back to our community. Before Thanksgiving break, we plan to go on a Literacy Tour, where we will visit RCSD elementary schools and read to the littles. I look forward to this every year and cannot wait until the time is here. Reading and children’s literacy are something I hold near and dear to my heart.


Hazel Roberts

President, RCSD Student Leadership Congress


To learn more about SLC, please contact Carl Parris, RCSD’s Director of Youth Engagement & Cultural Relations, at carl.parris@rcsdk12.org or 585-825-9575.

RCSD Student Photos on Flickr!

Explore the official RCSD Flickr account, where you will find photos capturing the vibrant experiences within our District. We love showcasing the successes of our students, educators, and families!

Reading Support at Home

Amira Learning is an online digital reading tutor that can read with your child in English and Spanish. Students in grades K – 5 are given reading practice for use at home or in after-school programs. Amira is available to students by logging on to ROConnect using a computer or tablet. Amira helps facilitate meaningful data that teachers can share with parents.


We hope you will take advantage of this valuable resource to support your children’s reading! Families can learn more at www.rcsdk12.org/amira.

Join a Parent Group Today!

Consider joining one of our parent groups this school year! By becoming an active member of a parent group, you will play a vital role in helping to shape the educational experience of your children and others in our school communities. Parent groups serve as a platform for collaboration, fostering a strong sense of unity and creating a positive learning environment for students. Your ideas, experiences, and contributions are invaluable. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of our students!


Parent Leadership Advisory Council (PLAC)

All RCSD parents are welcome at all PLAC meetings! The next general membership meeting is virtual on Wednesday, November 20, at 6:00 pm. Email plac@rcsdk12.org for the Microsoft Teams link, meeting information, and additional information about PLAC.


Bilingual Education Council (BEC)

BEC is made up of parents, community organizations, students, teachers, and administrators of the RCSD who have demonstrated their concern for the development of bilingual education. The next meeting is Wednesday, November 13, at 5:00 pm, at School No. 33, located at 500 Webster Avenue. For more information, email bec@rcsdk12.org.


Special Education Parent Advisory Council (SEPAC)

All parents and caregivers of RCSD students with an IEP or 504 plan are invited to join SEPAC. The next meeting is Monday, November 18, at 6:00 pm via Microsoft Teams. Email rcsdsepac@gmail.com for the Microsoft Teams link, meeting information, and additional information about SEPAC.


Multilingual Parent Advisory Council (MPAC)

MPAC supports parental involvement and participation in the English Language Learners’ programming and academic achievement. All parents and guardians of international and multilingual students are encouraged to attend the monthly MPAC meetings. The next meeting is Monday, November 4, at 11:30 am, at OACES, located at 30 Hart Street, in the cafeteria. For more information, email mpac@rcsdk12.org.

Introducing SchooLinks for College and Career Readiness

We are excited to introduce SchooLinks, our new college and career readiness platform, replacing Naviance! SchooLinks is designed with students in mind, helping them explore career options, stay informed about application deadlines, and prepare for college and life through interactive activities and career events. It also provides valuable information about different career paths.


Counselors, students, and families can collaborate on college research and applications all in one place. School counselors will follow up with students to ensure they are making the most of SchooLinks.


We encourage you to explore the platform with your child—have them log in and show you around! SchooLinks is accessible via ROConnect.

Become a Board Committee Representative

The Board of Education invites RCSD parents and students to serve as advisory members of the Board's committees. The Board recognizes the role that parents and students play in our school communities and requests that parents and students play an active part in the fiscal oversight and accountability functions of the Board.


Depending on your interests and experience, Board Committees offer many opportunities to represent the best interests of parents and students while serving the Rochester community. To apply, visit https://www.rcsdk12.org/boerep.

Bright Spots

Students from Padilla High School's JROTC Program Perform at Buffalo Bills Game

On Sunday, October 20, cadets proudly presented the Nation’s colors at the Tennessee Titans vs. Buffalo Bills football game at Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park. Read more



Click here for more Bright Spots!

What's on the Menu?

Check out the November breakfast and lunch menus for elementary, middle, and high school students here!

Support Our Athletes

Winter sports season is rapidly approaching. For modified athletes, Winter Session 1 commences on November 4 and will feature Girls' Basketball and Coed Wrestling. Winter Session 2 will begin on January 27 with Boys' Basketball and Coed Swimming.


For Freshman, Junior Varsity, and Varsity winter sports, the season will officially start on November 18. It is essential to complete registration on ArbiterSports and have an updated sports physical prior to participation. We eagerly anticipate witnessing all of our athletes in action.


The athletic event schedules for all RCSD schools can be found on the Rochester City Athletic Conference webpage.


Attention All Students! 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.

Sign Up to Receive Text Messages

If you are a custodial caregiver of an RCSD student and you have a mobile number on file with your child’s school, you can opt in to receive text messages from us. Simply text Y to short code 67587 to begin receiving text messages. For more information about text messaging, visit www.rcsdk12.org/text.

Moving? Phone Change?

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. We want to make sure you are receiving communications from your child's school, teachers, and the District.

School Directory and Bell Times

The complete list of RCSD schools and programs, including bell times, building addresses, email addresses, phone numbers, and administrators, is posted on the District website.

Miss a Newsletter?

Stay current on RCSD news! All of our family newsletters are posted on the District's website here.
Rochester City School District