Rochester schools reconfiguration plan prepares students for future

Rochester, New York – The Rochester City School District is starting anew with the start of the new academic year.

It’s going through a major reorganization that will realign grade levels, close some schools, and move others.

Five new middle schools have been opened. a new superintendent, a new high school, and a new strategic plan,” RCSD Chief of Schools Rhonda Morien stated. “A lot of work went into making today happen as we reconfigure as a system.”

According to Morien, the goal of the district’s new “Invest in Tomorrow” program is to provide children with the tools they need to succeed in the modern world.

“The best schools, best teachers, best programs— a lot of work over the last two years has been put into making sure today happens,” she stated.

In addition, 350 employees had to be hired by RCSD before the new school year could begin.

The district’s chief of human resources, Chris Miller, stated, “In addition to hiring, we had to orient and onboard, and bring people together for professional development.” “We had to help move staff into their new schools, and we are super grateful for all of the work our staff did across this summer.”

A few parents experienced their own initial anxiety.

The parent of a seventh-grader Trisha May stated, “I’m feeling a little nervous because the last school he was in, he was in since pre-K.” For him, this is a new school and a fresh start. It’s a little more daunting for us both, and it’s a little bigger.”

Many parents said the district helped prepare families for the move, despite their nervousness.

Alexis Barton, a parent of a seventh-grader, stated, “The tour was helpful, and the orientation was informative.” “I adore how the grades are divided up there. They will occupy one half and one floor. They won’t be divided up with pupils that are older. It has truly put me at ease.”

The thrill of a fresh academic year arrives only one day after a fatal school shooting in Georgia.

Student safety is a primary responsibility, according to Rochester school administrators.

“To ensure that we safeguard every student, our students physically come in and undergo scanning every morning,” RCSD Interim Superintendent Demario Strickland stated.

Ruth Turner, the district’s deputy superintendent for administration and supports, stated, “We have wonderful counselors, social workers, and mental health clinicians who are also available for students to help them process some of their thoughts and concerns.” Some people may experience emotional distress or relive prior trauma from it, or even our staff members. If it comes to it, we’re ready.”