RCSD Community Update: 3/24/23

Dear RCSD Community,

I hope you had a nice Superintendent’s Conference Day! Students were off from school, but RCSD faculty and staff were hard at work. Today’s morning sessions were dedicated to critical thinking, the science of reading, social-emotional learning, and technology. I facilitated a session on the generative AI platform ChatGPT - a very hot topic in the education world these days. The afternoon provided time for department- or grade-level based work.

Adopted Budget

At Tuesday night’s Board of Education meeting, the Board adopted the Superintendent’s Recommended Budget. This means that I can now take my budget show on the road. Over the next few weeks, I’ll be out and about in the community sharing the details about the budget with various groups. We have a bunch of engagements already lined up, including residents at The Osborn, The Chamber of Commerce, The Rye Recreation Seniors Group, The Lions and Rotary Clubs, and of course, all five schools’ PO and PTO meetings.

Unused Snow/Emergency Days

At the risk of jinxing us all, it seems as if the winter weather has retreated at last. I have been keeping a close eye on the weather forecast for the next two weeks, sporting my weather prognosticator hat, and checking my Magic 8 Ball. I believe it is now safe to “give back” the first of our two unused snow/emergency days: Monday, April 10 (Easter Monday). Schools and offices will be closed on that day. I am going to hold Friday, May 26, the Friday of Memorial Day weekend, in reserve for now, and hope to be able to release that day as well in the not-too-distant future. 

Ramadan 

Ramadan began this Wednesday the 22nd and lasts for one month, until April 21. For many Muslims, Ramadan is a time to strengthen their relationship with God through fasting, introspection, prayer, and spending time with loved ones. Ramadan Mubarak (Happy Ramadan) to all who are observing.

Have a wonderful weekend.

Sincerely,
Eric Byrne, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools