5/1/20 Update From Our Principal:

Dear School 16 Families,

We are keeping our School 16 spirit alive with Weekly Themes! This week we focused on Self-Care Strategies for your mind, body and soul. Literacy Week begins 5/4 so watch for our Literacy Week video on Twitter, Facebook and in an e-mail from your child's teacher!

Governor Cuomo announced that all New York State schools will remain closed through the end of this school year.

• This is an effort to help reduce the spread of COVID-19. More detailed information and resources is available at www.rcsdk12.org/covid19. The Governor also issued Executive Order 202.2, which clearly states that school districts must follow NYSED’s guidance by providing meals, childcare services for first responders and health care workers, and continuity of instruction for our students during this period.

• Governor Cuomo has also stated that a determination about summer programming will be made by the end of May. The New York State Education Department is in the process of forming a statewide task force made up of educational leaders, including superintendents, principals, teachers, parents, school board members, and other stakeholders, to guide the reopening of schools.

The District will continue to support our students with meals and mental health resources throughout this school year:

• Pack-and-go meals for students will continue to be served at twelve school sites and nine City R-Centers. Please check the District’s webpage at rcsdk12.org/covid19 for times and locations.

• Age and grade level appropriate educational resources are available on the District’s website at RCSD Learns (rcsdk12.org/rcsdlearns). Additional resources are available on ROConnect (www.rcsdk12.org/roconnect) with links to educational software.

• Packets of educational activities for students to use at home will continue to be delivered to our meal sites.

• For children of first responders and health care workers, childcare is available by contacting the YMCA of Greater Rochester.

Quarter 3 Report Cards—mailed home this week

• Due to the shortened in-class instructional time, the following grading guidelines have changed.

• K-5 Students will receive an N/A for each report card grade. Teachers will provide comments based on completed work prior to 3/13. Effort and responsibility grades will be blank.

• 6 Students graded on assignments prior to 3/13 will be calculated into student grades. Students not accountable for missed assignments. Students will not receive an “Incomplete” or failing grade. The lowest grade a student can receive is a D, or 65%.

Teachers will continue to be in contact regarding instruction and support for our students every week.

Registering for School: The deadline for entering the School Choice Lottery for Kindergarten and 7th grade has been extended to May 7.

Families of students registering for Pre-K or Kindergarten for next school year can do so by calling a placement specialist. Our staff is ready to assist you with the registration process by phone, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.

• Students who are entering grades 7 or 9 may click here register online at any time. 

• Kindergarten Registration: 585-262-8241 or click here What do I need to register?    

• Pre-Kindergarten Registration: 585-262-8140 or click here What do I need to register? 

• Secondary Registrations for grades 7 and 9 click here Register online now 

Special Education Services

• If you have questions related to special education services, please see the update from the Chief (https://www.rcsdk12.org/domain/13483) visit the Department of Special Educationor call 585-262-8220 for additional assistance.

• All Committee on Special Education (CSE), Committee on Pre-School Special Education (CPSE) and Section 504 meetings resumed Monday, April 20.

RCSD Office of Parent Engagement is here to help you with community resources. Contact information: parentcenter@rcsdk12.org or hotline 585-324-9999.

RCSD Family Helpdesk: Click here https://lp.rcsdk12.org/ Online resource for parents to submit questions and receive responses directly to the email address.

RCSD Support Hotline (585-262-8700): To assist families with resources and support, representatives are ready to address any questions or concerns you may have. Available Monday to Friday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. Should you need assistance during this difficult time, please call the RCSD Support Hotline.

Thank you for your ongoing commitment to collaborate with us in your child’s education. Please visit our school website weekly for updates. Stay in touch with your School 16 family by following School 16 on Twitter and Facebook at @rcsdsch16. As always, we continue to focus on the health and safety of our students, families and staff.

All my best,

Lisa Garrow