(September 5, 2024) The long-awaited first day of school for the 2024 – 2025 school year arrived today, and the Rochester City School District opened its doors to welcome approximately 21,000 students back to school in grades PreK - 12. The RCSD is poised to have a year of unprecedented growth. Under a comprehensive school reconfiguration plan, which goes into effect this school year, the District has created four new middle schools and one new high school.
Middle schools (7-8) will focus on preparing students academically and emotionally for high school, promoting athletics through physical fitness, sportsmanship, and personal growth, and providing programs and nurturing spaces so every student can thrive. This school year the District is operating under a new grade configuration for elementary (PreK – 6) and high schools (9-12).
One of the new middle schools that opened today includes Loretta Johnson Middle School on Genesee Street. Interim Superintendent Demario Strickland began his day at the new school, which is celebrating its P.R.I.D.E. (Powerful, Recognizable, Intelligent, Determined, and Excellence.) “I am charging school leaders and my staff with a year of unprecedented growth,” said Strickland. “We have to make sure our students are reading and writing in all classes, and we have no time to waste. The only way to do that is if we all work together.”
Moniek Silas-Lee, Principal of Loretta Johnson Middle School, expressed her excitement and commitment to her new role. “I have the amazing opportunity to open Loretta Johnson Middle School,” said Silas-Lee. “It has been a ton of work, but it is all worthwhile. Our staff is fabulous, and we are ready to go.” Silas-Lee, previously served as principal of Dr. Charles T. Lunsford School No. 19. "Just knowing that I am going to see some familiar faces, I feel like one of my students and having friends when school starts. So hopefully, I have many friends joining me today.”
Loretta Johnson Middle School is named in honor of Loretta Johnson, a longtime Rochester school administrator who became the first woman to lead the District as Interim Superintendent from 1994 to 1995. Ms. Johnson came to Rochester in 1969 and taught elementary school.
Also joining Interim Superintendent Strickland today were State Education Commissioner Betty Rosa, Regent Adrian Hale, and Mayor Malik Evans. They toured both Loretta Johnson Middle School and Joseph C. Wilson Magnet High School Commencement Academy.
