Community Update: 1/26/24

 

Dear RCSD Community,

After a relatively quiet week (weather-wise), there is another winter storm on the horizon for Sunday night into Monday. While we may get rain here in Rye, snow is called for north and west of I-287, so I will be keeping an eye on the forecast. I’m hoping you won’t be hearing from me early Monday morning. Taylor Swift has thus far resisted my entreaties for a snow song. I may need to pivot and send a request to an artist from my generation such as LL Cool J. 

2024-2025 RCSD Calendar

On Wednesday morning, I shared next year’s school calendar. A printable, one-page calendar is linked here for your planning enjoyment. The calendar is permanently housed on the RCSD website accessible by clicking on the Calendar logo in the red bar. 

Capital Projects Progress Report

At Tuesday night’s Board of Education meeting, the Board received an update on the status of the District’s capital projects and a look ahead to the construction schedule for the next phase of the work. Watch the video here starting at 43:30, and/or visit the presentation linked here. I will be summarizing the report in the upcoming January Superintendent’s Bulletin for those of you who like to receive your news that way.

RHS Living The Rye Commitment

Also at Tuesday’s Board meeting, after two weather-related delays, we were able to hear the RHS presentation on living The Rye Commitment. Principal Suzanne Short came to speak about how she sees The Rye Commitment in action at the High School every day. Social Studies Teacher Kristen Warner and three seniors came to talk about their experiences passing legislation in their AP US Government class - active learning, critical thinking, and collaboration all wrapped up in a great civics lesson. It took some of us in the room back to the Schoolhouse Rock “I’m Just a Bill” episode.  Click here and start watching the presentation at 1:40.

Human Rights Commission Award

At Wednesday’s City Council meeting, Rye High School senior Paulina Tepan received the City of Rye Human Rights Commission’s Rye Youth Human Rights Award for her work on the Be The Change Club at the High School. The club seeks to make the school a welcoming and inclusive place by planning fun activities and projects to enhance student life. Read a Q&A with Paulina on MyRye.com here. Congratulations, Paulina!

Have a terrific weekend.

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