Community Update: 6/6/25

Dear RCSD Community,

Bell to Bell Cell Phone Ban

As you may have heard, the Governor’s proposed “bell to bell” cell phone ban is now law. There seem to be a lot of opinions about the ban, but I think we can all agree that the law stems from a desire to protect children, both from the distraction that cell phones pose during school hours, and from a mental health standpoint, based on studies that show that too much social media consumption can be harmful. The District’s Policy Committee is working to create a cell phone policy; all New York State school districts are required to have one in place by August 1. We will communicate the new policy to our students and families well in advance of the new school year. 

Tenure Recipients

At Tuesday night’s Board of Education meeting, we held a tenure reception for 20 teachers and one school administrator. Congratulations to:

Julianne Befi Special Education Milton School

Yumiko Bendlin English to Speakers of High School other Languages Rye High School

Caroleann Bombace Elementary Education Secondary Coach RHS/RMS

Charles J. Cipriano School Counselor Rye High School

Allyson Furcick Social Studies Rye Middle School

Jamie Fusco Elementary Education Milton School

Susan Granata Technology Rye Middle School

Theresa Jelalian Physical Education Rye High School

Lauren Linder Speech Midland School

Danielle McGuire School Psychologist Rye Middle School

Bianca McHale Assistant Principal Midland School

Heather Moran  Special Education Rye Middle School

Shane O’Brien Social Studies Rye Middle School

Eileen O’Reilly Special Education Osborn School

Samantha Pacheco Special Education Osborn School

James Pape, Jr. Special Education Rye Middle School

Susan Paulson Physical Therapist Districtwide

Kristin Quintano Social Worker Rye Middle School

Melissa Ross Special Education Elementary Coach Districtwide

Brian Scher Mathematics Rye High School

Shaina Simpson Science Rye Middle School

To watch the tenure award ceremony, click here and start watching at 3:30.

RHS Playoff Action

Unfortunately, both the boys and girls varsity lacrosse teams are out of action. The varsity baseball team is headed to Joe Bruno Field in Troy this weekend for the New York State Baseball Playoffs. The take on LaSalle on Sunday) at 3:00 p.m.  (Originally Saturday; the game was rescheduled due to forecasted stormy weather). You can watch the game on the NFHS Network here (paid subscription required). In addition, sophomore Derek Bisceglia is headed to Rochester for the New York State Golf Championships. Go Garnets!

Get Trendy with the RMS Film Club

Next Monday (June 9), at 6:00 p.m. in the RMS Multipurpose Room, the RMS film club is hosting a red carpet premiere of their movie: “NOW TRENDING…”.  This movie is the comedic story of a group of students who decide to start a trend, which morphs into another and then another, until the trends take hold of the Middle School. The movie has a run time of 20 minutes, which will be followed by a Q&A session with the RMS student writers, actors, directors, cinematographers, and editors. Want a sneak peek? Watch the trailer here.

District Safety Plan

We have posted the RCSD’s annual safety plan on the district website here. Members of the public are encouraged to review it and provide any comments or feedback by June 25  to feedback@ryeschools.org.

Metro Award Winner

Finally, a huge congratulations to RHS senior (and senior intern here at CAB) Andrea Kamander who took home the Metro Award this past Monday for best stage manager for the RHS production of “Grease.”  Rye High School last won a Metro in 2019. Kudos!

Have a wonderful (summer at last) weekend!

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