RCSD News

Dear Rochester City School District Families,

With winter recess just around the corner, I know the school days may feel long for our students while for many of us, time seems to fly! In these final weeks before the break, I encourage our students to stay focused and make every school day count. Attendance and engagement are key to a strong finish to the year, setting a positive foundation for January.

Our shared vision—activating dreams and unlocking potential—is coming to life in meaningful ways and laying the groundwork for a brighter future. Through our PreK-6, 7-8, and 9-12 grade structure, we are strengthening the educational experience for all students, ensuring smoother transitions and creating more opportunities for success.

As we move into 2025, I invite you to continue partnering with us by attending school events, participating in parent groups, and celebrating your child’s growth. Your involvement makes a difference in shaping a district where every student can dream big and achieve more.

Thank you for your trust and dedication to our schools. May your holiday season be filled with joy, peace, and cherished moments with your loved ones.

Sincerely,

Demario Strickland

Interim Superintendent of Schools

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.

• Early Dismissal Day: December 6 (check dismissal times here)
• Winter Recess: December 23 - January 3 (No school for students)

It is also time for students entering seventh and ninth grades in September 2025 to choose a new school for the next school year. Visit the District website at www.rcsdk12.org/schoolselection to explore schools and complete the school selection application.

The deadline to participate in the school selection process is Friday, February 21, 2025, so visit the website today!

Attention families of students in Kindergarten through grade 6!

The New York State Education Department requires all school districts to survey students and families about their technology and internet access at home. The data collected from this survey will be used to help educators better serve your children.

Please complete this short survey for each Kindergarten through 6th-grade student in your home online at www.rcsdk12.org/DRsurvey now through January 16, 2025.

The Rochester City School District strives to provide a safe and productive learning environment that will help students become successful and responsible citizens. The District’s Code of Conduct, policy 1400, is written to promote a positive learning environment through its behavior expectations of all partners in the school community, including all District students and staff, parents/guardians, and school visitors.

The Rochester Board of Education annually reviews the Code of Conduct, policy 1400, to ensure it is relevant and legally compliant. The Board last amended its Code of Conduct on June 20, 2024, which included an abbreviated version.

The Code of Conduct and its abbreviated version can be accessed through the following links:

• Code of Conduct (1400)
• Code of Conduct abbreviated version (1400-E1)

All current Board policies for the Rochester City School District can be found at https://www.rcsdk12.org/policy.

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.

The 2025-2026 FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) is now open! We want to ensure that our students are fully prepared for the upcoming school-based FAFSA events, and it is crucial that they complete the FSA ID process now.

Seniors participate in a school-level FAFSA Fest each year, which is essential for any student planning to attend college or career school, as it determines eligibility for a variety of financial aid opportunities, including:

• Federal Grants
• Work-Study Programs
• Federal Student Loans
• State and School Aid (based on FAFSA data)
• Private Aid Providers (who may also use FAFSA data)

Help us get a head start! Please encourage your child to complete their FSA ID as soon as possible.

Students and their families need to create an FSA ID, which is required to access and complete the FAFSA form. This is an important first step to streamline the process, as FSA ID authentication can take up to three days.

Thank you for your continued support in helping our students access the financial aid they need for their education and future success!

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!

Click here for more Bright Spots!

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.

Parent Leadership Advisory Council (PLAC)

The Parent Leadership Advisory Council welcomes all RCSD families to come out for some winter fun and refreshments at the PLAC Winter Wonderland event on Saturday, December 7, from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm at Loretta Johnson Middle School, located at 200 Genesee Street. Register today at www.rcsdk12.org/placwinter.

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, December 11, at 5:00 pm via Microsoft Teams. Email bec@rcsdk12.org for more information, including the Teams link.

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, December 9, 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, December 2, at 11:30 am, at OACES, located at 30 Hart Street, in the cafeteria. For more information, email mpac@rcsdk12.org.

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

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.

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.

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.

www.rcsdk12.org
131 West Broad Street, Rochester, NY 14614, USA
585-262-8100

communications@rcsdk12.org