The staff, students, and parents of Roberto Clemente School No. 8 promote unity by celebrating diversity in culture, knowledge and experience. Our school community and our partners work together with a common focus of doing what is best for students academically. We use data to identify areas in need of improvement and focus instruction on strengthening those areas. We believe that instilling HOPE in our students and striving for high standards will drive us to reach our fullest potential. The power of positive thinking will encourage students to achieve academic excellence. 

• HOPE is our focus for 2006-2007:
  High Expectations - demand more and challenge students to understand more deeply;
  On Task - increase the amount of time students are engaged in instruction;
  Purposeful Planning - plan more effectively and consistently;
  Examining Self - reflect on what we are doing and change to make instruction better.

• Literacy instruction is based on the America’s Choice school reform design, focusing on national standards-based instruction and research-proven strategies for teaching reading.

• All students have access to the Science Room for hands-on experiments, two Computer Labs for technology instruction, and library enrichment. 

• Instruction is supported by before- and after-school support from teachers, tutoring by volunteers, instructional specialists working with teachers, and the Compass Learning instructional technology program.

• Parent Teacher Collaboration (PTC) Group meets the third Thursday of each month. Parent Room provides a comfortable place for parents to access community resources, learn about volunteer opportunities at school, and discuss their children’s education.

• Monthly family activities include Family Bingo, Science Fair Sleepover, Bring Your Parents To School Days, Sweetheart Dances, Fathers & Mothers Special Breakfasts, Parent Volunteer Recognition Luncheon, and more.

• Student activities include Student Council, Safety Patrol, Standard Bearers (U.S. flag), Sonics Basketball Team, Soccer Team, Step Team, Clean Team, Office Helpers, Instrumental Music, School Choir, and a variety of extended-day opportunities.

• Monthly student recognition/celebrations for positive behavior, quarterly Awards Assemblies
  
  
• Community partners include Rochester Rotary Club, Child Evangelism Fellowship, ITT Industries Space Systems Division, The Community Place,  The Urban League of Rochester, ROOTS, Kuumba Consultants, and area colleges.

• School uniforms are required: white collared shirts and black pants or skirts.