ROME CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT NEWSLETTER * FALL/WINTER 2017-18 District Strategic Plan Focuses on Four Areas Peter C. Blake, Superintendent of Schools t’s hard to believe that we have entered increased behavioral support at the K-6 the winter months and are at the mid- level and working to secure psychiatric wayI point of the school year already. services for students/families in need. The students, staff, and members of our There will also be a student survey for K-12 school community have been diligently students relative to student attendance and working on our goal to bring Rome to the what factors can impact student attendance forefront of public education in the State the most. Our curriculum/instruction team of New York. Focused on our strategic will continue the work of reading/writing plan, the team has been working to implementation while beginning the enhance our objectives for the 2017-2018 work of designing makerspaces* for our school year (Instruction, Engagement, buildings. In May, the community will have Social/Emotional, the opportunity to vote on and Attendance). The an Energy Performance instructional team remains Project to improve the focused on implementing mechanical systems at our reading and writing RFA and Staley, while we initiatives at the K-6 anticipate the completion level while providing of the Strough project in professional development on all areas of the the summer. Aside from this, District committees strategic plan. Engagement within the buildings and continue to review our practices and policies to community continues to improve with each building ensure that we are evolving with the times. Some hosting increased opportunities to connect with the of our 2017-2018 topics of discussion include community, including providing adult education homework practices, grading practices, school opportunities. The hot topic of public education calendar options, and daily schedule/hours of (social/emotional health) has been a significant operation options. Finally, as we enter the new year, focus with increased partnerships to help provide our business team has begun work on the 2018- more targeted support for our children in need. 2019 budget, which will be presented publically in Finally, our attendance continues to improve as early March. we are currently at a 95% student attendance rate, I would like to thank all of our students and staff which is the highest we’ve had in Rome in recent for the amazing things they bring to the table each years. and every day. Thank you to the Rome community Moving forward through the winter and into the for your continued support of our children while spring, we plan to continue to develop community we work together to make Rome the best place for partnerships focused on social/emotional health. education in New York! We hope this will be accomplished by providing * A makerspace is a collaborative work space inside a school for making, learning, exploring and sharing that uses high tech to no tech tools.
Sampling of What's Inside: 2018 Dates to Remember:
* Community Schools Initiative February 19-23 - Mid-Winter Recess * Mentoring Program March 16 - Superintendent's Conference Day - Schools Closed * Concert Calendar March 30 - Good Friday - Schools Closed * Awareness Day April 23-27 - Spring Recess - Schools Closed * ECP Pyramid Model Supports Families May 15 - BUDGET VOTE * Information Technology Corner May 25 - Memorial Day - Schools Closed * Rome Lions Test Eyes June 22 - Last Day of School June 23 - RFA Graduation
409 BELL ROAD ROME, NY 13440 WWW.ROMECSD.ORG 315.338.6500 Kindness Rocks! Anti Bullying Awareness Day
n October 2nd students and staff throughout the Rome City School District wore blue in support of anti-bullying. The RomeO Teacher Center and Rome Teachers Association coordinated the Awareness Day, which included two assemblies at Denti Elementary by Mike Speirs on the “5 C’s of Being an Upstanders". Poor weather and/or other conditions His presentation teaches students strategies for standing up for occasionally necessitate the closing of themselves. schools. In the event of an emergency There were also two theatrical presentations at RFA by Tim closing, parent/guardians and students Collins on bullying and cyberbullying and an evening presentation are notified by means of announcements at Bellamy Elementary. on local radio, television stations, Strough Middle School was also entertained by Tom Varano and automated phone calling system, social his “Emotion into Art” show. His simple message weaved throughout media (Facebook and Twitter) and the Tom’s entire show: Be yourself, be creative, follow your dreams and District website. take chances. The decision to close is based In addition to the #blueshirtday2017, the Kindness Rocks theme upon several criteria – wind speed in combination with temperature, present included a district-wide activity of every school painting rocks, with and predicted precipitation, and overall an uplifting, positive picture or message painted on the rock. road conditions. Also keep in mind that “Awareness Day brings the district and community together to Rome is a city of 72 square miles and share ways to take away the meanness and teach students to be overall road conditions might not be the upstanders, because kindness goes a long way. It starts with us,” said same in one part of the city as in other Jessica Lattimore, Bellamy teacher and one of the organizers of the areas. event. Announcement of school closings are made through the news media and automated phone calling system, generally beginning at 5:45 a.m. In some instances, it may be necessary to make announcements as late as 6:30 a.m. Since decisions on closing have to be made very early in the morning and weather conditions sometimes change drastically before students actually begin traveling to school, the ultimate decision on safety of travel conditions for students' rests with the parents/guardian. Denti Mike Speirs Assembly COMMUNICATING DELAYS AND EARLY DISMISSALS Delays, cancellations and early dismissals are all announced on the following stations, The Rome City School District Bellamy Kindness Rocks Facebook page and Twitter: Rome website: www.romecsd.org Rome Facebook: www.facebook.com/ Romecsd Ridge Mills Kindness Rocks Rome Twitter: https://twitter.com/ RomeCSD Rome Superintendent Twitter: https://twitter.com/@pblake_RomeCSD TV: Ch. 2, 3, 9, 10, 11 RADIO: FM: WLZW-98.7; WFRG-104.3; WBGK- 99.7/101.1; WMCR; WKRL-100.9; WOUR- 96.9; WSKS-97.9; WODZ-96.1; WZUN- Strough visit from Tom Varano, "Emotion 102.1; WUMX - Mix 102.5 into Art" RFA Tim Collins presentation AM: WIBX-950; WMCR - WFBL 1600
FALL/WINTER 2017-18 • Page 2 RFA Music Exhibition in the Classroom
ome Free Academy students in Mrs. Guerrieri’s, Music in Our LivesR class, participated in a “Music Promoters Project” this fall. They celebrated their favorite musical artists and genres by creating websites, magazine articles, videos, commercials, and interactive posters, blending art and music in one project (photos right). The task was for students to act as a music promoter and design a product that publicizes how they personally experience music. Guerrieri asked the students to consider how people experience music in different ways. Those who viewed the presentations were able She questioned what kind of music moved them to leave a comment on a sheet and give the student and how the students would promote this music to feedback. Superintendent of Schools, Peter C. Blake, others. Director of Fine Arts and Engineering Technology, The project was presented in an Exhibition style Andrea Falvo and RFA Principal, Brian LeBaron presentation for other teachers and administrators were some of the staff members who visited the to come and evaluate what the students created. classrooms and experience the student’s projects. RCSD Mobile App RFA Juniors Win Now Available JC Penney's Holiday
amilies in the Rome Window Contest FCity School District FA students kicked off the holiday season in can now stay in touch November by painting the JC Penney store windows with the district by inR Rome. The activity was sponsored JC Penney's in downloading its new Rome (Manager, Roger Houle). Community members mobile app! With the had the opportunity to vote on the best window and the RCSD mobile app, your results were announced on December 16th. school comes alive with “This was the first year in what Penney's hopes to the touch of a button. Easily navigate through be a yearly tradition,” said RFA Art Teacher, Megan current news and events or check out the latest Anderegg. updates with social media (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram). Quickly retrieve contact information, sporting scores, lunch menus, and more! It’s your school district available at your fingertips. The app is available through Apple's App Store or through Android's Google Play Store. “You can download the app to your device and customize as you prefer. Some basic features include allowing you to set the app for your child's school to receive messages/information about that school only. Simply search for Rome City School District in the store and you will find our app with the District logo,” said Peter Blake, Superintendent of Schools. John George, President of the Junior Class of 2019 (along with fellow For more information on the District's Mobile students) accepted the $200 donation from Roger Houle, Manager App, contact Carl Manganaro at of JC Penney's in Rome. The RFA Junior class received the most votes for the holiday window painting contest (right photo). Photos [email protected]. submitted by Gina Colangelo, RFA Special Education.
FALL/WINTER 2017-18 • Page 3 2018 Rome Music Department Calendar
January 19 Show Choir Festival at RFA 7:30pm January 26 Celebrate the Arts Faculty Music and Art Showcase 6:00pm February 3 Rhapsody Collegiate A' Cappella Competition at RFA 7:00pm February 9 & 10 Strough Musical Disney's My Son Pinocchio JR. at RFA 7:00pm March 1 All-City Choral Festival at RFA 7:00pm March 5 All-City Choral Festival Snow Date March 6 All-City Band Rehearsal at RFA March 7 All-City Band Festival at RFA 7:00pm March 8 All-City Band Festival Snow Date March 14 RFA Pops Concert at RFA (All RFA Ensembles) 7:00pm March 23 A Cappella Showcase at RFA 7:00pm March 29 Gansevoort Idol at Gansevoort April 12, 13, 14 RFA Musical, Aida at RFA 7:30pm April 17 Strolling Strings Tea at RFA 7:00pm April 18 Staley Singers at Staley 7:00pm May 9 Strough Spring Concert #1 (Instrumental) at RFA 7:00pm May 15 Staley Spring Concert (Grades 5&6) at Staley 6:30pm May 17 Ridge Mills & Stokes Concerts (Grades 5 and 6) 6:30pm May 22 Denti Spring Concert (Grades 5 and 6) 6:30pm May 23 Strough Spring Concert #2 (Choral) at RFA 7:00pm May 30 Joy and Gansevoort Spring Concert (Grades 5 and 6) 6:30pm June 5 RFA Spring Concert #1 (Instrumental) at RFA 7:00pm June 6 Bellamy Spring Concert (Grades 5 and 6) 6:30pm June 7 RFA Spring Concert #2 (Choral) at RFA 7:00pm
Kudos Master Teachers SchoolTool Parent Portal hree Rome teachers have been named TNew York State Master Teachers. Megan arents/Guardians, to access your child(s) schedule, Spado (Science at Strough), AJ Spado (Science Passignments, grades, attendance, etc. you can sign at RFA), and Melissa Richardson (Math at RFA) up for SchoolTool Parent Portal on the district website at were honored in October with this outstanding www.romecsd.org > Quick links: ‘Parent Portal Request’. achievement. In total, only 214 teachers If you need assistance, please contact: State wide were selected to be Master Brittany Hiemstra Teachers. Over the years, Master Teachers 315-338-6566 in New York State have been utilized to [email protected] provide professional development to current professionals and to be mentor teachers to students in collegiate/university teacher preparation programs. Congratulations to We're now on Instagram these three amazing teachers and thank you You can now follow us on Instagram at: for representing the Rome community in such https://www.instagram.com/romecsd/ a positive way!
FALL/WINTER 2017-18 • Page 4 Mentoring Program Expands in District
he New York State Mentoring is the site coordinator for the Bellamy program, now in its third year, has program and helped led the activities. expandedT to support more students The programs are pretty much the same in the Rome City School District. at all the schools. Adult volunteer mentors currently are The program successfully screened assigned to Francis Bellamy, Denti, and trained volunteers and matched Gansevoort, Joy, and Staley elementary them with children in local communities schools, where they are paired with to improve high school graduation fourth and fifth grade students selected rates. by educators on the basis of which In May 2016, Matilda Cuomo visited children would most benefit from the Rome to meet with local education program. officials, and personally thanked the “The response from the Rome district’s volunteer mentors for their community was truly remarkable time and service in helping children. producing over 40 volunteers to work Mentor, Carol and her mentee The District is grateful to William John. with Rome students,” said Brad DiPietro, Guglielmo, President of the Rome Director of Eastern New Chamber, and Frank York for the New York DiBerardino who serves State Mentoring Program. on the NYS Mentoring “The mentors have as Program Advisory Council. much fun as the students Without the dedication and have a great impact of their time and their at the same time,” he said. help with the recruitment The aim of the of mentors, the program program is to help would not have been able children develop self- to grow and prosper as it esteem, improve social has! skills, learn respect for The Rome City School others, and achieve District Mentoring personal success. Program was also Students and mentors named a recipient of the meet once a week after Distinguished Service school for 60 minutes, Mentoring site coordinator, Paula Foote leads an ice breaker Award by The Genesis under the direction of session to get to know one another, at Bellamy in October. Group of the Mohawk school-approved site Valley Region at its 12th coordinators. annual Celebration of Education ceremony in “This is the second year we are sponsoring Whitesboro. the mentoring program. Last year our program “I very much appreciate the enthusiasm and time consisted of 28 volunteers who worked with children commitment of our volunteer mentors whose weekly at Francis Bellamy, Gansevoort and John E. Joy interactions have a positive and lasting influence on Elementary Schools,” said Amanda Jones, Director the children,” said Peter C. Blake, Superintendent of Counseling Services. “Because the program of Schools. He also commended Amanda Jones, yielded such positive results, the district has decided Director of Counseling Services, for serving as the to expand the program to now include Denti and district’s liaison with the NYS Mentoring Program Staley Elementary Schools,” she said. in Albany; and the site coordinators for their A typical first session has the students and dedication in overseeing the school mentoring mentors participating in fun icebreaker activities to sessions: Renee Bledsoe, Paula Foote, Laurie Jones, get to know each other. At the Bellamy session on Regina Kekis, Denice Luczak, and Jodi Marchione. October 24th, mentors and mentees went around For more information on the mentoring program the room learning names and discovering what they visit: http://on.ny.gov/mentors. may have in common. Bellamy teacher Paula Foote
FALL/WINTER 2017-18 • Page 5 Substitute Rooted in Rome Teacher Showcases District n October 18th, representatives from education, healthcare, Orientation Obusiness and recreation all came together to showcase why our community is a great place for all generations to live, What you need: work and thrive. The 'Rooted in Rome' event featured a job fair, * Bachelor’s Degree * Social Security Card interactive presentations, RFA performers, RFA VEX Robotics club * Driver’s License * Official Transcripts demonstration, food by MVCC's culinary arts program, and more! Community partners who organized the event were The City ORIENTATION DATES: of Rome, Rome Memorial Hospital, January 23, 2018 Mohawk Valley Community College, February 27, 2018 Griffiss Business and Technology Park March 27, 2018 and the Rome City School District. April 17, 2018 May 22, 2018
Orientation takes place from 9-11 a.m. Rome City School District District Offices – 409 Bell Road, Rome
For more information contact Kathy Jo Britton at 315-338-6532 or Left photo: Jed Musch VEX Robotics club. [email protected] Right photo: Some members of the RFA chorus perform at the event.
Rome Budget Development Calendar 2018-19 If you have any questions please contact Director of Business and Finance David Dreidel at 315-338-6541.
November 15, 2017 Budget Calendar approved by the Board of Education
November - March 2018 Preliminary Discussions with the Board of Education and Finance Committee regarding budget scenarios March - May 2018 On-going budget discussion with Board of Education and Finance Committee March 1, 2018 Submission of Tax Levy Limit Due to Office of State Comptroller March 30, 2018 Publication of Legal Notice (1st of 4) April 5, 2018 Proposed Budget Presentation April 5, 2018 Proposed Budget adopted by Board of Education April 6, 2018 Property Tax Report Card Submitted to SED April 16, 2018 Last Day to submit petitions for propositions to be placed on the ballot April 25, 2018 Deadline for Board candidate petitions April 26, 2018 Budget Statement and required attachments made available May 3, 2018 Budget Hearing May 4, 2018 Budget Notice mailing to the public May 15, 2018 Budget Vote
FALL/WINTER 2017-18 • Page 6 Students Develop Team-Building Skills through BreakoutEDU Activities lementary students throughout the District rotated through six stations, ‘add a word’; are working together during library time on sequencing; parts of a number grid; money count; Eactivities that their librarians have developed, using match the memory and jigsaw puzzle. Once the a program called BreakoutEDU that helps make students solve the problem and unlock the box, learning fun and engaging. BreakoutEDU can be then they rotate through another station, until they used to teach many different academic subject get to the final station. The team that figured out the areas and can be tailored to a specific theme. final clue was Dustin's group. The riddle was, "What In October, 2nd did the scarecrow scare through 6th grade away?", Crows of course! students at Staley Mrs. Schaal designed Elementary participated these games with the in breakout activities Halloween theme as did with school Librarian Ridge Mills Librarian, Mrs. Mrs. Schaal. “Breakout Woodruff, who worked EDU gives participants with Mrs. Frisch's 1st the opportunity to work grade classroom. together to find and solve You can also make the clues at each station clues as hard or as easy as around the room to open you want depending on each of the locks,” said the grade level. Breakout Schaal. EDU works best for Second graders in small groups and helps Mrs. Pokines classroom develop critical thinking, participated in Halloween creativity, communication themed clues. Her Mrs. Pokines, second grade teacher at Staley, works with her and collaboration skills. students on BreakoutEDU activities that Staley Librarian, students Mrs. Schaal organized.
Information Technology Corner Patrick Sullivan, Director of Technology echnology integration is about having the curriculum drive technology usage, not having technology drive the curriculum.T Rome City School District teachers and students are diving into Google Apps across the district. Google Forms and Google Classroom are being used to flip instruction and make learning more interactive and student- driven. The Elementary buildings will be exploring a coding unit where they will be using programs like Scratch to control Dash and Dot robots. These buildings are also piloting our first fleet of Chromebooks. So far, almost 750 Chromebooks Third and Fourth graders at Ridge Mills have been deployed to replace the desktop clusters in the participate in the Dot and Dash Robotics club. backs of the rooms. The after-school enrichment program teaches The IT department is collaborating with the Rome students logical thinking, calculating distances, Teacher Center to create an army of Google Certified calculating angles, and gives students (and teachers) the opportunity to collaborate. educators to help turnkey training to the rest of the staff.
FALL/WINTER 2017-18 • Page 7 Rome Community Schools Initiative he home, school and community are all part "Melissa Roys is organizing an Advisory of a child’s education and development and Board consisting of 10-15 community partners Tis the concept of the Rome Community Schools, who will share in the decision making to provide an initiative of the Rome City School District and opportunities and services for students and community partners. Three years ago the Rome families," said Eurto. Teachers Association (RTA) organized a steering committee including teachers, administrators, school board members and city representatives to engage in conversation about the Community Schools concept. "The school The RTA received an Innovation Grant from the acts as a hub, American Federation of Teachers to implement bringing public Community Schools in Rome. The grant funds a and private fulltime Community School Program Manager, partners in to Melissa Roys. The grant also allows for teachers to serve families develop STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and provide Arts and Math) related project-based experiences. integrated In 2016 and 2017 the District received funding services," for Community Schools as part of its foundation - Joe Eurto. aid. A portion of this funding as well as the Rome Teachers Associations grant is being used to implement the Community Schools concept. RTA members Joe Eurto and Jessica Lattimore are Homework diner kick-off in October. The evening featured driving the initiative. "The school acts as a hub, tutoring assistance for students and families and a meal catered bringing public and private partners in to serve by The Savoy restaurant. families and provide integrated services," said Eurto. The pilot program for this model is up and running at Bellamy Elementary, with support from Community Schools Site Coordinator, Alyson Reid. On October 11th Bellamy held its first of three Homework Diners. The evening began with tutoring assistance for students and families, a warm meal catered by The Savoy restaurant and ended with a family bonding activity, which varies month-to- month. Community partners for this Homework Diner were The Lifted Program by the NAACP, Jervis Public Library, and the Rome Alliance for Education. Homework diner in November featured a Thanksgiving dinner Bellamy 'Homework Diners' have different and cooking demonstration. themes and activities designed to engage families and strengthen the connection among home, Bellamy school and the neighborhood. Homework In November, Bellamy partnered with Rome Diners Rescue Mission, Madison-Oneida BOCES and Mohawk Valley Community College, to host a Thanksgiving dinner, followed by a cooking demonstration that taught parents how to cook the holiday meal. Prior to dinner, parents worked with their children on homework. Children played games in the gym while mom and dad attended class. In December, the homework diner featured a spaghetti dinner with holiday classics played by RFA's musical group 'The Strolling Strings'. Four holiday stations were set up for groups to participate in 20 minute intervals; Photos with Santa, STEAM Story Time, Cookies and cocoa and Kid's Bellamy homework and holiday diner in December featured Korner Holiday Shop. photos with Santa.
FALL/WINTER 2017-18 • Page 8 Strough Spaghetti Dinner & Speaker Highlights Partnership with CFLR n November 1st Strough outcomes,” said Warren. Middle School held “The goal of CFLR’s aO spaghetti dinner for 7th prevention services is and 8th grade families, to develop a supportive followed by a presentation community that enables by Jodi Warren and Betsy children, adolescents, Hull from the Center for young adults, and Family Life and Recovery, families to have a healthy Inc. (CFLR). The topic for this environment to thrive and session called 'Concealing grow," she said. Secrets' is designed to bring awareness and educate adults on possible teen substance use and abuse. There were planned activities Jodi Warren speaks to Strough families at the 'Concealing for students while parents Secrets' presentation and spaghetti dinner in November. attended the presentation. Part two of this session will be scheduled later in the school year. Prevention services CFLR's partnership extends beyond Strough include: though, providing prevention services for the • Evidence-Based Programming entire district. "We are excited to be partnering • Positive Alternatives with the Center for Family Life and Recovery to • Non-Evidence Based Education bring prevention services to the Rome City School • Information Awareness District. Betsy Hull, CFLR Prevention Specialist, • Environmental Strategies provides guidance and training for staff, as well • Trainings/Presentations as interventions and supports to students right • "Concealing Secrets" Mobile Teen Bedroom Kit at their school! This partnership helps streamline • Community Capacity Building connections for students and families with • Referrals for a student or family, and many more! outside agencies and support services based on their needs," said Amanda S. Jones, Director of CFLR’s main areas of services are prevention, Counseling Services for the District. behavioral health & counseling, and community “We are taking a multifaceted approach to and family recovery. To learn more about CFLR visit, addressing the ever-changing needs of our children, www.WhenTheresHelpTheresHope.com or contact their families, the schools, and the communities in Jodi Warren the Director of Prevention Services which they live, by promoting positive educational, at jwarrencflrinc.org or 315-768-2643. social, emotional, and mental and physical health Stokes November Happenings
Mrs. Tagliaferri’s Kindergarten class Thanksgiving presentation. Veterans are recognized with a breakfast and celebration.
FALL/WINTER 2017-18 • Page 9 ECP Pyramid Model Supports Families very young child is still developing learning of social skills? Simple routines, social-emotional skills. What they learn simple expectations based on age and Eearly on will have an impact on helping developmental level. them be successful at school. Dana Benzo, What are some of the Social-Emotional Director of Rome Early Childhood Program skills they teach? Following rules, routines, (ECP), understands this well and is working and directions; identifying feelings in with her staff on implementing NYS Pyramid oneself and others, problem solving, Model strategies. sharing toys and taking turns, giving positive The Pyramid Model strategies are encouragement, learning how to calm down based on evidence-based best practices and manage your feelings. in early childhood. But the Pyramid Model The goal is to create an environment is based on more than just strong teaching Pre-K Teacher, where EVERY child feels good about coming Mrs. Dematteo and learning practices, it is also focused on with student. to school, designing an environment that building positive relationships, developing promotes child engagement and focuses supportive and nurturing environments, teaching on teaching children what to do. When children social skills, empathy and emotional vocabulary and don’t have social emotional skills they often exhibit providing individualized supports when needed. challenging behaviors. In October, Rome Early Childhood staff received How does the Pyramid Model work? The base training on the NYS Pyramid Model from Ellen Olson, of the pyramid, or Tier 1, consists of creating NYS Master Cadre Trainer, Cornell Cooperative positive relationships between the child and the Extension. Olson and Benzo are rolling out the NYS teaching staff within a consistent, predictable Pyramid Model to Pre-K teachers, integrating it environment. The second section of the pyramid, or into the curriculum. Using the Pyramid Model, ECP Tier 2, includes using targeted teaching strategies, teaches children proactive social-emotional skills such as visual schedules, picture cues and social throughout the entire classroom day. stories, to help children learn problem solving skills, "When Pyramid Model strategies and program emotional regulation and impulse control. Research practices are fully implemented, the school indicates that these things are important for all program looks very different as parents, teachers, children! The top of the pyramid, or Tier 3, consists and administrators are supporting the social and of individualized intervention for the children who emotional development of the children first and need additional support in the classroom. "School foremost while integrating these skills into all other and home partnerships are essential. We must all developmental areas to build a developmentally work together as a team. Building a strong social- responsive curriculum for the whole child," said emotional foundation in young children sets the Benzo. stage for Kindergarten readiness but also life How does the program support children’s readiness" said Benzo. RFA and Gansevoort Receive Donations from Davidson Auto Group On September 8th Jon Davidson of Davidson Auto Group presented Gansevoort Principal Wendy Waters, Resource Teacher Megan Huckabone; and Gansevoort garden program students a giant check for $800! "The $800 is going to pay for a new garden shed to enhance and organize Gansevoort's garden program," said Waters. On September 19th RFA held an event sponsored by the PBIS (Positive Behavior In School) team, Davidson of Rome and Buick. Each test drive raised $10 and over 100 test drives raised the amount to $20 per test drive! The event coincided with the RFA open house and a total of 204 test drives took place, raising a total of $3,080 for RFA! Thank you to Davidson of Rome! Left photo: Gansevoort 5th and 6th graders in the garden program, along with teacher, Megan Huckabone, Principal Wendy Waters and Jon Davidson. Right photo: Jon Davidson presents the PBIS committee with a check for $3,080.
FALL/WINTER 2017-18 • Page 10 Gansevoort Students Get Healthy Eating Lesson from Cornell Nutrition Educator
n November, K-6 classrooms at Gansevoort Elementary learned about fresh fruits and vegetables Ifrom Brandon Benedict, a Nutrition Program Educator from Cornell University. The students had the opportunity to try healthy foods, such as an onion and brussel sprouts that Benedict prepared for them in the classroom. He also read a fun story to the students about fresh foods like fruits and vegetables and had the class try and identify where different foods grow, under the dirt or above. "The idea is to get students familiar with where food comes from, specifically healthy and wholesome food," said Benedict. The North Country Eat Smart New York-SNAP ED program provides free cooking demonstrations to help kids understand the importance of healthy and nutritious eating. Kindergarten students in Mrs. Hutchings classroom getting a lesson on nutrition from a nutrition educator from Cornell. K-6 Teachers Receive Special Math Training
OBOCES Math Specialist, Jody Popple and Rome City School District Instructional Coaches Mary McCormick and Mark Ranieri Mworked with K-6 special education teachers on December 8th. The group worked together to brainstorm ways to help Rome students with special needs access grade level math. Kathy Bragan, Director of Special Education, coordinated the instruction.
hird and fifth grade students in the Rome TCity School District will have the opportunity to participate in the 4th annual Cursive Writing Contest this year. Details about the contest are being finalized and will be forthcoming on the district's website: www.romecsd.org and there will be brochures available from your child's teacher.
FALL/WINTER 2017-18 • Page 11 Board of Education Administration Paul Fitzpatrick, President Peter C. Blake, Superintendent David Dreidel, Director of Business & Finance Paul Hagerty, Vice President Chris Brewer, Assist. Superintendent for Nicholas Panuccio, Treasurer Tim Safin, Clerk Curriculum & Instruction Jim DeAngelo, Director of Instruction Robert Mezza, Jr., Assistant Superintendent for Patrick Sullivan, Director of Information Technology Joseph Mellace • Stephen Hampe Operations & Management Andrea Falvo, Director of Fine Arts and Engineering Karen Fontana • Dick Hitchings Paul Rabbia, Superintendent of Buildings & Grounds Technology John Leonard • Larry Posselt Frank Conestabile, Director of Employee Relations Amanda Jones, Director of Counseling
Rome City School District 409 Bell Road Non-Profit Org. U.S. POSTAGE Rome, New York 13440 PAID Utica, N.Y. Permit No. 566
“The Rome City School District is an equal opportunity employer and an equal educational institution.” Compliance Officers for Non-Discrimination: Frank Conestabile: 315-338-6532 and Amanda Jones: 315-338-6518
Rome Lions Club Tests Eyes Staley students Build LEGO Saturn V Rocket
taley Elementary 6th graders in Mrs. Huf’s classroom are learning about Sliving in space, STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) and Katherine Johnson, one of NASA's 'human computers' celebrated in the film ‘Hidden Figures’. They built a Saturn V rocket (LEGO) model that was used during the Apollo 11 program. “There are 1,969 LEGO pieces, which incidentally is the year the Apollo: Saturn V rocket launched,” said Huf. In 1969, Apollo 11 was the first mission to land astronauts on the moon. Photo left to right: Nancy Opperman, Meghan Johnson, Larry Jeroszko, Nancy Gordon, Tanya Moore, Roy Benham, Marc Ritter, Adrian Sullivan, Aniyah Wallace, Isabella Tuzzolino, and Jermone Brown.
he Rome Lions Club provided vision testing for Bellamy Elementary students on November 13 and 14th.T They had 376 students get checked out over two days. Fifty-eight students who were tested received referrals to see an ophthalmologist to further check their vision. The Rome Lions Club is active in the school community and sponsor a club in RFA called Leo Club encouraging RFA students to participate in community service projects. Mrs. Huf's 6th graders pose with the LEGO Saturn V Rocket model.
Visit our website at www.romecsd.org or social media at: @ROMECSD