Superintendent's Brief 10.29.21
Dr. Lesli Myers-Small
Weekly Video Message

This is the time of year when high school seniors are making decisions about pursuing higher education next fall. While some of our scholars are choosing which colleges to apply to, others may still be making campus visits.
 
In this week’s video message, I talk about some upcoming events for families of students who are pursuing higher education. I encourage any senior who is applying for college to attend one of these events and take advantage of these free resources.
 
As a District, we continue to work on strategies to address the ongoing impacts of the pandemic. Our students, families, staff, and community members are dealing with many tough issues. Next week, I am launching a community action initiative, where we can come away with tangible action items to support the work of bringing peace back to our schools and community. The first meeting is next Saturday, November 6, at the Franklin Campus, from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm. Our children are hurting, and our students need us now more than ever. I hope you will join me. 
FAFSA Fest

FAFSA stands for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, and for many families, the financial aid process can be overwhelming. Having financial aid counselors available is extremely helpful and can open doors to new and exciting opportunities for our seniors. 
 
FAFSA Fest is a great way for families to get free help from experts in completing financial aid forms. Members of the District’s Student Support Services department are teaming up with the Rochester College Access Network to offer this free service to students living in Rochester. 
 
FAFSA Fest events are coming soon. Two Saturday events will take place at the Central Library downtown on November 6 and December 11, from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm, and then one at the Rochester Education Opportunity Center on Thursday, January 20, from 5:00 to 7:00 pm. These in-person events are being hosted by local colleges, and representatives will be available to help with the college application process. 
 
Additional events, including virtual college and career workshops for students and families, are posted on the School Counseling page of the RCSD website.
Leadership Appointments

I am pleased to announce the appointments of Dr. Kathleen Black, Dr. Genelle Morris, Melody Martinez-Davis, and Adrian Neil, Esq., to leadership positions in the District.
Dr. Black is taking on the role of Deputy Superintendent of Teaching
and Learning, effective November 8, 2021. She most recently served as the Chief Academic Officer since September 2020. 
Dr. Morris takes on the new role of Deputy Superintendent of Operations and System Innovation after serving as the Deputy Superintendent of Teaching and Learning since August 2020. She officially began her duties in this new role on November 8, 2021.
Mrs. Martinez-Davis will lead John James Audubon School No. 33 as its Principal after serving as the Deputy Superintendent of Support Services since July 2020. She officially began her duties in this new role on November 8, 2021.
Mr. Neil takes on this new role, effective November 13, 2021, after serving
as the Associate Counsel since 2016. He replaces Steve Carling, who is leaving the District to pursue a career opportunity in private practice.


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