The Rome City School District (RCSD) is committed to fostering an equitable and nurturing learning environment. On Friday, October 6th, RCSD held its Superintendent's Conference Day, where all Pre-K-12 staff participated in essential training sessions.
The day's agenda revolved around three vital areas:
1. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI):
DEI training was at the forefront of our professional development. Promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion ensures that every student, regardless of their background, enjoys equal access to a quality education. This training instilled the values of empathy, respect, and understanding, fostering an environment where students can thrive academically and personally. Today's session was planned and facilitated by the district's Equity Task Force: Teacher and Staff Development Committee. The materials used to develop the DEI-facilitated discussions were developed in collaboration with Dr. Meredith Madden based on her work with DEI.
2. Restorative Practices:
The staff of Bellamy and Gansevoort Elementary attended a session on Restorative Practices, which is a goal of their School Comprehensive Education Plan (SCEP). Restorative Justice is a philosophical and practical approach that focuses on the relationships between all people who make up a community. In the school context, this includes teachers, students, parents, staff, administrators, the board of education, and community stakeholders. Restorative Justice encompasses an array of practices that, when implemented in a systemic way, create a culture that is more connected, supportive, and accountable. This results in increased academic achievement, improved school engagement, decreased emotional distress and fewer negative behaviors. These findings are supported by research. New York State Education Department (NYSED) has placed a high priority on a safe and positive school environment where students can experience social and emotional growth that supports academic achievement. Restorative justice practices are well aligned to this mission. Given the many challenges school communities face, from the ongoing impact of the COVID pandemic, to addressing issues like gun violence, mental health, social unrest, and more, providing support and human connection is a necessity for teaching and learning. Today's session was facilitated by Empowered Pathways of CNY as part of the partnership between NYSED and the NYS Office of Court Administration's Office of Alternative Dispute Resolution Programs.
3. McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act:
Our clerical staff received specialized training on the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act. This federal law plays a pivotal role in supporting the education of homeless students, ensuring they enjoy the same educational opportunities as their housed peers. McKinney-Vento removes barriers to learning for homeless students by addressing their unique needs, such as stability, transportation, and access to essential services.
By investing in these critical areas of professional development—DEI, Restorative Practices, and McKinney-Vento—we empower our educators to provide an enriched and compassionate learning experience for all students. This commitment underscores our dedication to ensuring that every student has an equal opportunity to thrive, learn, and succeed within RCSD.
Amanda Jones, Director of Counseling Services and McKinney-Vento Liaison
Facilitators: Sherry Fleet and Kim Van Duren lead DEI training.
