RCSD News
February 2023
Dear Rochester City School District Families,
Our school year is in full swing, with the second quarter officially ending on January 27, and that means report cards will go out the week of February 6. Students in grades 7 through 12 will receive them in the mail, and Kindergarten through 6th-grade students will bring them home in backpacks.
I have had the opportunity to visit all of our schools on several occasions and truly enjoy watching our students in the classroom, in social settings, and representing their schools as athletes. Our students are doing amazing things, from taking college-level courses to being scholar-athletes to working in our community, volunteering, and establishing drives to help the less fortunate. The pride I feel every time I visit our schools grows immeasurably. I am proud to lead this District.
February is Black History Month, where we recognize and honor the achievements of those with African or Caribbean heritage. Here in the RCSD, we know that Black history is American history, as students learn about Black history all year long. I am excited about the unique offerings that our students will experience throughout the month and our celebration honoring Black scholars. Our Social Studies Department has compiled a number of great resources, including videos, book lists, and information about local events, that can be found on the Black History Month webpage. Explore it together as a family!
Sincerely,
Dr. Carmine Peluso
Superintendent of Schools
DEADLINE APPROACHING! The deadline to participate in the School of Choice process is Friday, February 17. Students who need to choose a new school for 7th and 9th grades, and students entering Kindergarten – do not wait! Visit www.rcsdk12.org/schoolchoice today to explore school options and learn more about the lottery process.
February Recess
REMINDER! There is no school for students from Monday, February 20 – Friday, February 24. Classes will resume on Monday, February 27.
On Thursday, February 16, the RCSD and Board of Education will present the 34th Annual Black History Month Celebration – Black Resistance: The Power of Inspiration and Perseverance. 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. Other recognitions that evening include the Academic Achievement Award and Community Award presentations. 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.
Are You Ready for College?
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 have not 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.
Get Free Help with Financial Aid for College
Students who plan to attend college are invited to join us at the February FAFSA Fest, where you will get free help from experts to fill out your financial aid forms. We will help you apply to college, figure out how to pay for it, and make the best choice.
Tuesday and Wednesday, February 21 and 22
10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Central Library Teen Space
Credit Earning Opportunity
If you have a student in grades 9 – 12 who is looking for the opportunity to earn an additional elective credit, take a Dual Credit course in preparation for college, or schedule time to complete an Online Credit Recovery (OCR) class, then sign them up for Innovation Academy!
Innovation Academy is a virtual learning program that allows students to complete an Initial, OCR, or Dual Credit course outside of the traditional school day. The program has the flexibility of asynchronous learning while you complete your work at a guided pace with the support of certified RCSD content teachers. Classes are scheduled on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays in an assigned Zoom meeting room. To learn more about the courses being offered this school year, including registration, please connect with your school counselor. If you have any questions not related to registration, reach out to our Innovation Academy Program Director, Katherine Orem, at Katherine.Orem@rcsdk12.org.
Summer of Opportunity is an employment program for youth, ages 14 - 20, who are still in middle school, high school, or a high school equivalency program (TASC). The program is designed to provide work readiness training and employment opportunities to youth while making a direct connection to success in school. For many, this is their first opportunity to gain real-world work experience. Visit www.Rocsummeryouth.com for updates.
Applications open February 1. Students will need the following after they have applied:
- Current work permit
- Official report card
- Photo ID
- Social Security Card
Work Permit applications are processed and issued at your child’s school – see www.rcsdk12.org/workpermit for more information.
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.
Did you know that if you are a custodial caregiver of a student in the RCSD then you could be receiving text messages from us? All you need is a mobile number on file to opt in to this feature. If you do not have a mobile number on file, simply reach out to your child’s school to update your contact information. For more information about SMS texting or how to opt in or out of receiving messages, visit www.rcsdk12.org/text.
Winter Athletics
Athletic event schedules for RCSD high schools can be found on the Rochester City Athletic Conference webpage.
Student spectators from the home and away teams must show a valid school ID to attend RCSD-hosted games. Students from any other school must be accompanied by an adult who is at least 25 years old with a valid ID.
2023-2024 Budget Season
On Tuesday, February 14, Superintendent Dr. Peluso and East EPO Superintendent Dr. Nelms will present their preliminary 2023-2024 budgets to the Board of Education. For more information on the budget process, visit www.rcsdk12.org/budget.
RCSD Parent Group Meetings
Parent Leadership Advisory Council (PLAC)
Are you the parent or caregiver of an RCSD student? Then you can (and should!) be a member of PLAC – join today here! The next general membership meeting is Wednesday, February 15, at 6:00 pm via Zoom. Click here to register for the link or visit www.rcsdk12.org/plac for more information.
Special Education Parent Advisory Council (SEPAC)
SEPAC is a group of parents with special needs students in the RCSD. Together, this group works to provide a supportive environment for students, families, and educators who help each student achieve their potential. SEPAC's monthly meetings provide an opportunity for parents to meet other parents, RCSD staff, and community partners. Monthly meetings typically include a short workshop on the Special Education process. All parents or caregivers of students with an IEP or 504 plan are welcome! Additionally, if you would like to be more involved, you can apply to be a SEPAC Parent Representative. For additional information or to be added to their monthly meetings, please email RCSDsepac@gmail.com.
The next general membership meeting is Monday, February 13, at 6:00 pm. Email rcsdsepac@gmail.com for the Zoom link and meeting information.
Bilingual Education Council (BEC)
BEC advises the Superintendent on matters related to bilingual education, including curriculum, instructional materials, and cultural issues. 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. For more information on joining BEC, please email bec@rcsdk12.org.
The next meeting is Tuesday, February 14, at 5:00 pm, at the Trenton and Pamela Jackson R-Center, 485 North Clinton Avenue, 14605.
Multilingual Parent Advisory Council (MPAC)
MPAC is a vehicle for parents of scholars who are learning English as a new language. The purpose is to collaborate in the areas of problem-solving, program enhancement, communicating with parents, and recognition of student achievement. The purpose of MPAC is to encourage and support parental involvement and participation in English Language Learners’ programming and academic achievement.
The next meeting is Monday, February 27, at 3:30 pm, at the Office of Adult and Career Education Services (OACES), 30 Hart Street, 14605.
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Rochester City School District
Email: communications@rcsdk12.org
Website: https://www.rcsdk12.org
Location: 131 West Broad Street, Rochester, NY 14614, USA
Phone: 585-262-8100
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RCSDNYS/
Twitter: @rcsdnys