RPS Midsummer Letter

Each August, when I sit down to write this mid-summer letter, I realize how quickly time passes. It feels like we were just celebrating the final moments of another remarkable school year, then here we are again. Summertime in a school district is never truly quiet. While our hallways are less crowded, the work to prepare for a new school year continues across every department. The summer is also a season of reflection, a chance to step back, consider what we have learned, and reconnect our daily work to what matters most.

For me, it also grants the space to notice the passage of time in my own family. My son André is now 17 and continues to enjoy the freedom that comes with driving and having his first job at a local restaurant (Underwater Ceramics Technician, also known as “dishwasher”). As evidenced by his sense of humor, he keeps our house on our toes!

Gabriela, now 21, celebrated both her birthday and graduating from college a year early; and with that early graduation came what appeared to be a novel reality for her- “getting a job.” Izzy, 19, is continuing her journey in college as a Drexel Dragon, and had a very short summer given the​​ soccer season. With a quick recovery from her knee injury, we are looking forward to seeing her play this fall. Watching my children grow reminds me that, no matter our age, we all need people who know us, believe in us, and remind us who we are. With that reminder, my spring and summer were filled with baptisms, weddings, concerts, and backyard barbecues with family and friends, most importantly, my parents, Fatima (81) and Americo (86), who I am lucky enough to have close to me.

This reflection on my own life connects to the message I shared with our graduating RHS seniors this past spring. I reflected on Sahil Bloom's book, The 5 Types of Wealth. I encouraged our seniors to think beyond the questions the world naturally asks them: What will you do? What title will you hold? Those questions matter, but they are incomplete. The more important question is: Who are you becoming?

That same question guides us as we begin another school year. A school district is more than buildings, departments, and programs. It is a community of people whose daily actions shape one another. Whether it is a teacher who believes in a child, a paraeducator who helps a student feel safe, a bus driver who starts the morning with a smile, a coach who inspires perseverance, a custodian who creates a welcoming environment, a parent who partners with a school, or a colleague who steps in to help, these relationships define who we are. They are the foundation of our work, and the inspiration for our 2026–2027 theme: 1RPS.

This summer, the idea of 1RPS has already been visible across the district. Our curriculum, special services, human resources, finance, technology, transportation, facilities, and school-based teams have been working across traditional boundaries to prepare for the year ahead.

Under Assistant Superintendent Cory Gillette's leadership, our Curriculum and Instruction team has continued summer learning, curriculum development, and professional learning to ensure coherence across schools and grade levels. This work depends on teachers and instructional leaders who generously dedicate part of their summer to strengthening instruction for all students—we are grateful! Please be sure that you log on to the RPS curriculum site, where you can find plenty of resources to get a jump-start on the year. Cory and the technology team are working closely with Dr. Taylor Wrye (new Director of Instructional Technology) as he has quickly transitioned with energy, perspective, and a spirit of collaboration. You can read more about summer work in technology here.

Cory's summer was as busy as ever, balancing district work with family time. With her daughter Jasmine living and working in New York City, she stayed close to home, making the most of summer with family sidewalk dinners in the city, weekends on Long Island Sound, and watching lots of soccer.

Our Extended School Year, Best Buddies, and Forever Summer Bridge programs once again demonstrated what is possible when educators, families, and students come together as one community. These programs are not simply extensions of the school calendar. They are environments where students build confidence, create, maintain skills, form friendships, and experience the joy of belonging. They reflect the very best of 1RPS and we are deeply grateful to every teacher, administrator, therapist, paraeducator, nurse, secretary, custodian, and support professionals who helped create meaningful summer experiences. Their work matters, and these relationships become part of the stories students carry with them.

Click here to view the Gallery of Photos!

Leadership transitions are strongest when people are willing to share what they know. We are deeply grateful to outgoing Facilities Director Joe Morits for continuing to support RPS during his retirement. His guidance has been invaluable as the facilities team prepares our buildings for the new school year.

Jill Browne and the Finance team have been closing one fiscal year while preparing for the next, ensuring that every financial decision supports our strategic priorities and the needs of students. Their work touches nearly every department, from transportation and facilities to food services and security, and reminds us that responsible stewardship is essential to delivering on our mission.That said, Jill did step away for a short time to spend time with her family – look at these great pictures!

As I begin my sixth full year at RPS, it feels like the right time to engage in a year-long strategic planning process. More than setting goals, this work is an opportunity to listen, reflect on who we are today, and define who we aspire to become. Together, these conversations will shape our priorities and guide our decisions for years to come. You'll hear much more about this work as the school year begins.

I hope the remaining weeks of summer bring you time to rest, reconnect, and enjoy the people who matter most. We cannot wait to welcome our students, families, and staff back to hear all about your summer, and for a new year of learning and growth!

Warmly,

Susie

Susie Da Silva, Ed. D.

Superintendent of Schools

P.S. If you want to join us in wearing our classic WE LOVE RPS swag, click here for the link to order and have it delivered to your school!