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RCSD News
April 2024
Dear Rochester City School District Families,
It is with a mix of emotions that I have accepted a superintendent position in another district, effective July 1, 2024. After much contemplation and careful consideration, this is the best decision for me and my family.
I am deeply grateful for the support and collaboration that I have received from students, families, and the entire Rochester community during my 14 years in the RCSD, as a teacher, principal, chief of schools, deputy superintendent, and superintendent. I am committed to supporting the Rochester City School District over the coming months, as I understand the importance of a smooth transition and the work ahead to ensure a successful budget and school reconfiguration.
Please know that I will always cherish the memories and experiences shared with the RCSD. I appreciate the friendships and professional relationships I formed here. While my tenure as Superintendent concludes, my dedication to nurturing the success and well-being of Rochester students endures, and I will continue to advocate for the advancement of education in every capacity.
Thank you again for the privilege of serving as your Superintendent. I wish you a wonderful spring break filled with joy and memorable moments.
Sincerely,
Dr. Carmine Peluso
Superintendent of Schools
Days Off in April
REMINDER! Spring Recess is Friday, March 29 through Monday, April 8, with students returning to school on Tuesday, April 9. Students are also off from school on Monday, April 22, as this is a Superintendent's Conference Day.
Total Solar Eclipse on April 8
Keep Your Eyes Protected!
This week in school, every student received a pair of eclipse viewing glasses due to a generous donation from the Rochester Museum and Science Center!
Below is some important information from the Academy of Ophthalmology:
- Do not look directly at the sun during the eclipse. If your eyes are exposed to the sun without the appropriate protection, it can cause “eclipse blindness,” which can temporarily or permanently damage your eyes.
- Sunglasses will NOT protect your eyes.
- The best way to view a solar eclipse without harming your eyes is by using the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 12312-2 certified eclipse glasses from a trusted source. Further information about safe viewing, including a list of eclipse glasses suppliers, can be found on the American Astronomical Society website.
Please visit the webpage created by the RCSD’s science department for more information and great resources at www.rcsdk12.org/eclipse.
Conversations with the Board of Education on April 13
The Rochester Board of Education welcomes families to gather and talk about what matters most to them in informal, two-way table discussions with Board members. Join us as we collectively reflect on how to enhance outcomes for all students on Saturday, April 13, from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm, at Wilson Foundation Academy, 200 Genesee Street.
Let’s work together to actively listen to each other and participate in constructive dialogue to tackle concerns within our schools and community. For more information, including the link to register, visit www.rcsdk12.org/boetalk. Pre-registration by April 10 is encouraged, so register today!
Join us Saturday, April 20, 10:00 am to 2:00 pm, for a Family Empowerment Community Resource Fair, at Northwest Junior High, 940 Fernwood Park. The following resources will be available:
Credit Repair | Financial Literacy | Home Buying Program
Family activities include face painting, laser tag, and raffles. The first 10 families to register will enter a prize giveaway, so register today here!
Save the Date: Right to Read Event on April 22
The Office of Teaching and Learning is excited to announce a screening of The Right to Read on Monday, April 22, at 4:30 pm, at Mt. Olivet Baptist Church. The film’s producer and NAACP activist, Kareem Weaver, will be joining us.
The Right to Read documentary shares the stories of Kareem Weaver, a teacher, and two American families who fight to provide our youngest generation with the most foundational skill for lifelong success: the ability to read.
Details and registration information will be shared soon!
Bright Spots
NYS Grades 3-8 Assessments
Beginning in April, the District will administer the New York State ELA, mathematics, and science assessments to students in grades 3 - 8. A letter was sent home to the families of these students with additional information and a detailed schedule, which can be found here.
April Parent Group Meetings
Parent Leadership Advisory Council (PLAC)
- The next leadership team meeting is Tuesday, April 2, at 6:00 pm - parents interested in joining the 2024-25 Leadership Team are encouraged to attend!
Email plac@rcsdk12.org for the Zoom link
Join PLAC for an Ice Cream Social on Thursday, April 11!
- 5:30 - 7:30 pm at Andrew J. Townson School No. 39, 145 Midland Avenue
- Learn about school and district improvement plans and meet community organizations. Free family fun for all!
Bilingual Education Council (BEC)
- Tuesday, April 9, 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
Special Education Parent Advisory Council (SEPAC)
- Monday, April 15, 6:00 - 8:00 pm
- Email rcsdsepac@gmail.com for the Zoom link
- SEPAC website
Multilingual Parent Advisory Council (MPAC)
- Tuesday, April 16, 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
The public hearing on the 2024-25 budget will be held on Wednesday, April 10. You can view the proposed budget on our website at www.rcsdk12.org/budget.
Budget deliberations begin in April and end on May 1, with the special Board meeting to adopt the budget on Tuesday, May 7. Please see a list of important dates below and visit the budget webpage to learn more.
- Wednesday, April 10: Traditional Public Budget Hearing
- Wednesday, April 17: 1st Budget Deliberation Session
- Wednesday, April 24: 2nd Budget Deliberation Session
- Wednesday, May 1: 3rd Budget Deliberation Session
- Tuesday, May 7: Special Board Meeting for Budget Adoption
- Thursday, May 9: Summary of 2024-25 RCSD Budget Transmittal and Final 2024-25 Budget due to City Hall
2023-24 ESSA Accountability Status
The Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), the main federal law for K-12 public education, aims to ensure all children get a quality education. The law requires that states hold public schools accountable for how students achieve. ESSA gives states flexibility, as their accountability systems can measure much more than just test scores.
The New York State Education Department (NYSED) has established a new set of indicators to measure school performance. The new indicators include student academic achievement, student growth, school progress, progress of English language learners, chronic absenteeism, and, for high schools, graduation rates and preparing students for college, careers, and civic engagement. NYSED has published fact sheets for families in 15 languages. We encourage you to read these, as they help explain what every family should know about New York State's plan for ESSA.
You can view the 2023-2024 ESSA Accountability Determinations for RCSD schools on our website.
Get College Ready!
If you need help preparing your child for college and beyond, then look no further – visit www.rcsdk12.org/collegeready today! This website is a one-stop shop designed to help support students with the whole college process, with information on community events, college applications, scholarships, and more. Check back regularly, as this information is continually updated.
Also, if you haven’t checked out Naviance with your child, ask them about it! There are many great college and career-readiness activities to help prepare students in grades 7-12 for the next step in their educational journey. As always, students should reach out to their school counselor for assistance. For a complete list of school counselors by school, click here.
Free Nurse Camp at St. John Fisher
Interested in a career in nursing? Check out the Cardinal Nurse Camp at St. John Fisher University for rising sophomores, juniors, and seniors. Learn about the nursing field from faculty, alumni, and current Fisher students. The camp runs July 8-12, at the Wegmans School of Nursing. The deadline to register is May 15, so visit Fisher's website today!
FREE Summer Programs for High School Students
Start planning summer now! The University of Rochester offers two free summer programs for RCSD high school students. These programs are designed to provide students with opportunities to engage with and explore the history of Rochester and potential career options. Learn more at the links below.
Photon Camp-Institute of Optics
Dates: June 24- 28
Application Deadline: May 15
Experiencing Civic Life
Dates: June 30- July 12
Application Deadline: April 15
It is not too early to be thinking about summer jobs! Applications for the Rochester Summer Youth Employment Program are being accepted now until all positions are filled. Work permits are processed and issued at your child’s school – see www.rcsdk12.org/workpermit for more information.
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.
What's on the Menu?
What's for breakfast and lunch in April? Menus will be posted here by April 5.
Earlier this month, the Rochester City School District launched its Teach Rochester Recruitment Ambassador Program, one of its key initiatives to actively recruit educators. The District is on a mission to continue building a talented and diverse workforce that reflects the community it serves.
We are looking for members of the public to join our program as volunteers who can leverage their expertise and networks to increase community engagement and partnerships for the recruitment and retention of RCSD staff members. This includes alumni and others with connections to Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Hispanic-serving institutions, or other service-oriented institutions.
Help us impact the lives of young learners and shape a brighter future for education in Rochester. Complete the survey here to help us learn how we can work together to make the RCSD the first choice for passionate educators everywhere.
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.
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.