RCSD News
November 2026 Family Newsletter
Dear Rochester City School District Families,
There is important work underway across the Rochester City School District, and I am excited about the direction we are taking to strengthen our schools and expand opportunities for our students. From the learning happening in our classrooms to the decisions we are making about our future, our focus remains on building a stronger District where every student has the opportunity to succeed.
Meaningful progress takes time, thoughtful decisions, and a willingness to approach longstanding challenges differently. I remain committed to this work and am encouraged by what we can accomplish together as OneRCSD.
Celebrating Family Literacy Month
November is Family Literacy Month, an opportunity to celebrate the power of reading and the important role families play in developing strong, confident readers.
Literacy is the foundation of student success, and building a love of reading begins long before a child enters the classroom. Whether you are reading together at bedtime, talking about a favorite book, or exploring your neighborhood library, these everyday experiences help children develop skills that will serve them throughout their lives.
I encourage every family to make reading part of their daily routine this month and beyond. Strengthening literacy remains one of our District’s most important priorities, and together, we can help our students become confident readers who are prepared for the opportunities ahead.
Shaping Our Future Together
In October, we launched our Academic and Financial Sustainability Task Force, an important step in our ongoing efforts to strengthen the Rochester City School District.
We have an opportunity, and a responsibility, to take a thoughtful look at how we operate, how we invest our resources, and how we ensure our academic programs meet the needs of our students.
This work will require important conversations and difficult decisions. I believe those decisions must be guided by what is best for students and our responsibility to build a District that is academically strong and financially sustainable.
As we begin planning for the 2027–2028 school year, I am committed to an open process that includes the perspectives of our families and community.
There are two upcoming opportunities to participate:
Annual Budget Survey: Beginning November 9, families will have an opportunity to share their priorities through our annual budget survey. Your feedback will help inform our planning for the upcoming school year.
Community Budget Forum: Our first Community Budget Forum is scheduled for Wednesday, November 18, at 6:00 p.m. at Loretta Johnson Middle School. I encourage you to join us to learn more about the budget process, ask questions, and share your perspectives.
I am optimistic about our future because I believe in the potential of our students and the opportunities we have to make lasting improvements across our schools. The work ahead is significant, and I look forward to sharing our progress with you.
Parent Leadership Academy
This month, the Parent Engagement Network invites you to join the Parent Leadership Academy, where parents can build leadership skills, better understand District policies, and gain practical strategies to support your child’s success. Please see the section later in this newsletter for session dates, location details, and registration information.
Civic Engagement and Election Day: Tuesday, November 3
A reminder that Tuesday, November 3, is Election Day. It is also a Superintendent’s Conference Day, so there will be no school for students.
Exercising our right to vote is one of the best ways we can model active citizenship for our children. I encourage everyone in our community who is eligible to make their voice heard at the ballot box. Polls in New York are open from 6:00 am to 9:00 pm.
Wishing You a Happy Thanksgiving
As Thanksgiving approaches, I hope you and your loved ones have an opportunity to enjoy meaningful time together.
I continue to be inspired by the incredible potential of our students and the dedication I see throughout our school community. These are the reasons I am so passionate about the work we are doing and the future we are building for Rochester’s children.
Wishing you and your family a wonderful Thanksgiving!
Yours in Education,
Dr. Eric Jay Rosser
Superintendent of Schools
Dear Families,
I hope everyone has continued to have a great school year. October has been another busy month in the District with fall sports ending, the end of the first quarter approaching, and seniors working on their plans after high school.
As the school year has continued, the Student Leadership Congress (SLC) has taken a deep dive into Board policy as well as roles within the SLC. We have begun to examine some of the policies given to us and are making our suggestions. Another aspect we have continued to work on is building a collaborative team environment. October has been a very busy month with sports, schoolwork, and work, but the SLC is looking forward to future meetings, continuing to represent the student voice in the District.
In our next few meetings, the SLC will be discussing what our ideal school looks like, how we can implement some of those aspects into our own schools, and interviewing our peers. We will also be discussing what we want SLC’s community-driven project to be. I look forward to reporting to the Board on what my peers view as aspects of their ideal school and what the SLC decides as their community-driven project.
Also, a shoutout to the World of Inquiry Griffins Girls Volleyball Team for winning the RCACs in volleyball, and to the East High Eagles Boys Soccer Team for winning the RCACs in soccer.
Both the second month of the 2026-2027 school year and the Student Leadership Congress meetings have been strong. Students continue to fill our schools and programs, bringing great achievements to our District. Thank you, and I look forward to the continuation of the school year.
Sincerely,
Elizabeth Soffa
Student Leadership Congress President
To learn more about SLC, please contact Ryan Keating, RCSD’s Executive Director of Social Studies, at Ryan.Keating@rcsdk12.org.
School No. 22 Student Honored with Do the Right Thing Award
Congratulations to fourth-grade student Quinci Granderson, who was recognized with the prestigious Do the Right Thing award for demonstrating outstanding integrity, maturity, and peer leadership.
Join the Parent Engagement Network and take advantage of free learning opportunities designed to support, empower, and connect RCSD families. Whether you are interested in strengthening your leadership skills, accessing resources, supporting your child's academic success, or connecting with other families, there is something for everyone.
Ways to register for P.E.N.
- Scan the QR code
- Call the Office of Parent Engagement at 585-262-8658
- Email Kelli Monique Briggs, the RCSD's Director of Parent and Community Involvement, at kellimonique.briggs@rcsdk12.org
The safety of students and staff is a top priority for the District, and we want to make visits to school buildings pleasant, welcoming experiences in a safe environment for everyone.
Upon arriving at school, visitors should report to the main office, sign in, and obtain a visitor’s badge to wear while in the school. Visitors will need to show identification and be screened through the Raptor Visitor Management System, which is an online tool that enhances school security by screening and registering every campus visitor. The system reads a visitor’s driver’s license (or other approved government-issued ID) and compares it to a database containing registered sex offenders in all 50 states. Once cleared through the system, a visitor badge is produced that includes a photo, the visitor's name, date, time, and destination in the building. This system replaces the traditional paper sign-in and is especially useful during emergencies to know who is on campus.
Sectionals have begun for fall varsity sports, and the winter season starts soon! All Sectional tickets are digital and can be purchased on the Section V website.
Reminder: To attend RCSD-hosted games, student spectators from the home and away teams must show a valid school ID. Students from other schools must be accompanied by an adult at least 25 years old with a valid ID. Minors must be accompanied at all times.
Please note the following admission fees for winter sports:
- JV/Varsity Girls and Boys Basketball - $5/person
- Modified Girls and Boys Basketball - $1/person
- Freshman Boys Basketball - $3/person
The Rochester Board of Education remains committed to communicating the implementation of the Student Outcomes Focused Governance model with its stakeholders. This publication keeps the community informed about the Board’s goals, progress, and key initiatives, and provides timely updates on important developments. It aims to foster engagement by providing clear, accessible information about the Board’s work and opportunities to get involved. Read the latest edition here.
www.rcsdk12.org
131 West Broad Street, Rochester, NY 14614
585-262-8100