Rochester Community Schools celebrates first orchestra graduates with the Class of 2025
On April 1, 2025, Rochester Community Schools hosted the debut performance of the districtwide RCS orchestra, featuring 540 musicians in grades 6-12. Among these students are the first 28 graduates of the orchestra program, which began in 2018 during their sixth grade year.
“We are proud to celebrate the growth of music education in Rochester Community Schools,” said Superintendent Nicholas Russo, Ed.S. “It is an honor to witness the talent and collaboration of these outstanding students who have developed their knowledge and skills to become accomplished musicians as the orchestra program has grown over the past seven years.”
All RCS orchestra musicians gathered in the Adams High School gymnasium this April to perform “A Woodland Chronicle” for the first time together as a group. The original musical selection was composed by Dr. Brandon Ulrich, Stoney Creek choir and orchestra director. It represents the growth of the RCS music program as it develops from a seedling into a strong oak tree that flourishes through the seasons and spreads into a vibrant forest.
With overwhelming community support, RCS orchestra instruction was first offered to sixth graders in the 2018-19 school year, in addition to existing band and choir opportunities. New violins, violas, cellos and double bass instruments were added to music rooms. The program attracted participants quickly and grew each time those initial orchestra students advanced to the next grade level. Today, the program features students from Hart, Reuther, Van Hoosen and West middle schools, and Adams, Rochester and Stoney Creek high schools.
For 10 consecutive years, Rochester Community Schools has been honored with the Best Communities for Music Education designation. RCS is one of only 21 school districts in the state of Michigan to receive this honor and the staff remains committed to a curriculum and student experience that values rigorous academic and arts instruction.
The RCS music curriculum is well-rounded and begins early in each child’s educational journey, with an exploration of musical textures, forms and compositions. It advances from preschool through high school, to include musical understanding, evaluation, analysis, expression and performances.
“RCS is fortunate to have had longstanding leadership teams that value a high-quality music education program, committed to providing students with learning opportunities in vocal, instrumental and orchestral music, Russo said.
The district remains grateful to the Rochester Community Schools Foundation, a steadfast supporter of the arts for RCS students. The RCS Foundation helped establish the orchestra program with a $137,000 donation – the foundation’s largest gift ever awarded.
“As our inaugural orchestra students prepare to graduate and continue their education and training beyond high school, we wish them great success. We hope they reflect on the wonderful creative opportunities they have had at RCS, allowing them to flourish,” Russo said. “The orchestra program continues to thrive, enriching the music curriculum for RCS students and creating a legacy of pride in excellence.”
Art Show 2025
Rochester Community Schools is proud to celebrate our student-artists at the district art show, April 22 - May 1 at the RCS Administration Building located at 52585 Dequindre Road.
Community members may view the art displays at their leisure from 3-7 p.m. from April 22 - 25 and from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. from April 28 - May 1. Students and families from all RCS schools may visit anytime; however, school-specific open houses are also available if artists prefer to gather with their teachers and classmates. Please see the open house schedules below.
Tuesday, April 22, from 5:30-7 p.m. for: Adams, Reuther, Van Hoosen, Brewster, Delta Kelly, Musson
Wednesday, April 23, from 5:30-7 p.m. for: Stoney Creek, Ace, Hart, Hugger, North Hill, Hampton, University Hills, Baldwin
Thursday, April 24, from 5:30-7 p.m. for: Rochester, West, Hamlin, McGregor, Brooklands, Long Meadow, Meadow Brook
Friday April 25, open to the public until 7 p.m.
Monday April 28- May 1, open to the public from 8 a.m.-4 p.m.
Congratulations to all the outstanding artists featured in this year's show!
RCS offers outstanding pre-K education, including GSRP, a free program for eligible four-year-old children
Rochester Community Schools continues to provide high-quality preschool opportunities that prepare three- and four-year-old children for kindergarten.
In addition, the state’s Great Start Readiness Program (GSRP) has expanded to increase early education options for families in RCS and across the state. GSRP is a free preschool program for children who turn 4 on or before Dec. 1, 2025, and whose families meet eligibility guidelines. This resource is offered through the Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential.
All GSRP programs work cooperatively with their intermediate school district and must adhere strictly to state standards for student-teacher ratios, early childhood specialist qualifications and classroom support plans.
Eligibility for free GSRP preschool is primarily determined based on family household income; thresholds have been lowered to allow access for more families.
“Rochester Community Schools offers a variety of preschool programs that provide a secure and caring environment for young learners. As children begin their academic journey, they can expect to grow in independence, curiosity, self-confidence and social skills,” said Kimberly Hempton, assistant superintendent of elementary and early childhood education. “We look forward to introducing them to a lifelong love of learning.”
Tuition-based pre-K enrollment begins soon for RCS families who will have three- and four-year-old children during the 2025-26 school year. Currently enrolled RCS pre-K families can begin registration on March 5. New families can begin enrolling on March 12.
Additional information on RCS pre-K programs can be found on the district website by visiting www.rochester.k12.mi.us, then selecting schools, district specialized, and pre-K.
Structured Literacy supports skilled readers
The district’s strategic plan indicates the need to implement Structured Literacy models in elementary classrooms.
Structured Literacy is a term that was adopted by the International Dyslexia Association (IDA) and describes the instructional approach for teaching foundational literacy skills based on how the brain processes print and language. While not a curriculum in itself, it refers to explicit, systemic and cumulative, diagnostic teaching.
Elements of Structured Literacy include phonology (the sound of spoken words); sound-symbol association (mapping sounds to printed letters in two directions); syllable instruction (unit of oral or written language with on vowel sound); morphology (the smallest unit of meaning); syntax (grammar and mechanics); and semantics (meaning).
The district is currently engaging all elementary staff in comprehensive professional development to support the use of Structured Literacy approaches in our classrooms. The goal is always to provide instruction that supports confident, skilled and joyful readers.
Introducing a new two-way communication platform
The RCS strategic plan identifies the need to leverage a variety of communication methods and tools to provide the community with updates, celebrate excellence, build trust and offer “windows” into life of school buildings. A deliverable for year one includes enhancing two-way communication.
“The strategic plan is guiding our efforts to support and enhance teaching and learning opportunities for our students and staff. Though this process, we are excited to be able to enhance the way our community connects and communicates, where both end users can easily contribute to the conversation,” said Lori Grein, executive director of strategic communications.
After researching communication and engagement solutions that support student success, the district selected ParentSquare as the preferred platform.
What is ParentSquare? ParentSquare is a user-friendly platform designed to streamline communication between schools and families. It will allow the district to send messages, alerts and reminders through email, voice and text messaging. It also provides a space for two-way communication, so participants can reach out with questions or feedback.
The functionality of this one solution covers multiple platforms. Secure applications support a mobile app; language translation; current system integrations; mass notifications such as urgent alerts, newsletters, social media and attendance notices; classroom communications; sign up forms, permissions and event responses.
“Converting to a new communication platform in a district this size is a monumental lift. There are more than 92 points that we have to engage to ensure success, from data integration and network configuration to user training and technology support. Our teams are already hard at work and are motivated to bring this new platform to our students, staff and community,” said Jeff Frankowiak, director of technology services.
The district is planning a phased approach to introduce ParentSquare. Phase one includes email and two-way text messaging, beginning with a pilot program. Phase two will include the addition of newsletters, attendance notifications and volunteer sign-ups.
Student and family data will be obtained from Synergy (ParentVue and StudentVue). Employee data will be acquired from Employee Online. The district is encouraging all users to ensure their information is correct on these platforms. Guidelines will be provided shortly to assist with these efforts.
“We are working to make this transition a smooth process and will be here to help our school community adjust to this new platform every step of the way,” said Frankowiak. “This is truly an exciting time for Rochester Community Schools.”
Charity Week 2025 supports Camp Kesem summer camp
Special thanks to contributors Erica Proctor and Megan Batson from The Talon, Rochester High School’s newspaper
Community members are invited to join Rochester Community Schools in celebrating this year’s Charity Week, March 3-8, 2025. The action-packed week provides exciting fundraising opportunities for Camp Kesem, which supports children through and beyond a parent’s cancer with free summer camp opportunities and year-round services. Each year, RCS student leaders work together to select a charity that is personal to them. They plan friendly competitions among the high schools and host several combined events to raise money across the RCS community. Initiatives are student-led with collaboration from Rochester, Stoney Creek and Adams high schools and ACE, the Alternative Center for Education. Each school has its own favorite traditions, and students compete to maximize the amount of money raised. For example, Rochester High School families and parents especially enjoy the breakfast cookoff and students can anticipate a new karaoke night. Adams is planning a wing-eating contest, food raffles and themed spirit days. Stoney Creek students love the annual duck race on the river beginning at Van Hoosen Farm and a new “Ticket to Skip It” event during the school day. ACE is participating in a movie night, charity basket sales and much more. All RCS high school students are invited to a crosstown charity ball on March 8. In addition, each high school also plans its own fun-filled pep assembly to play games and learn more about Camp Kesem. “This event is not only a good way to raise money for charity, but it’s also very fun for our student council and good for raising spirit in our school,” said Collin Lott, Stoney Creek student council president. Community events taking place outside the school day include the Falcon Fest, a family-friendly carnival run by Rochester clubs and athletic teams, and a charity gala, silent auction on and family fun night, hosted by Adams. More information about these activities will be shared soon on school websites and social media accounts. “We have to figure out how to hit every group within the school that can help raise money,” said Kelley Cusmano, Rochester student council advisor. Last year, RCS raised over $93,000 for Humble Design. This year’s goal is a six-figure donation to Camp Kesem. “This event has gathered our community together as a whole, whether it is from feeder schools or current parents,” said Eda Nguyen, Adams student council secretary. Community members are encouraged to use the QR code for donations to Camp Kesem. This link allows direct charitable contributions through the Rochester Community Schools Charity Week team page on the Camp Kesem website at: www.kesem.org
Seeking efficiencies through master property planning
Seeking efficiencies through master property planning
Master property planning helps an organization assess the use of its land and infrastructure by evaluating current conditions, considering future opportunities, and identifying detailed actions that can optimize facility and operation efficiencies.
“We are a sizable district. To maximize resources that support student growth and achievement, it is important to periodically look at our facilities and operations so we can proactively plan for future opportunities,” said Superintendent Nicholas Russo, Ed.S.
As the largest school district in Oakland County, Rochester Community Schools consists of 22 school buildings and four support structures that encompass approximately 2.8 million square feet on more than 560 acres.
“The master property planning process, which includes a facilities utilization study, aligns with our district’s broader strategic plan,” said Russo. “The data from the study, which is analyzed by an unbiased professional organization and presented to a community advisory committee for review, will inform our decisions so we can best meet the needs of our students, staff and community.”
On Oct. 17, 2024, the district advertised a request for proposal (RFP) for a professional consultant to conduct a facilities utilization study. Five bids were received and thoroughly evaluated by the district’s educational, business, facilities and capital projects leaders. Selection criteria included the company’s history, approach, fees, references, and previous experience in providing services for educational institutions.
At the Nov. 18 Board of Education meeting, Plante Moran Realpoint was awarded a contract to engage as the consultant and facilitator for the facilities utilization study.
The study considers current and historical demographic and enrollment data by school; school feeder paths; district programs and services to include pre-kindergarten, transitional kindergarten, Great Start Readiness Program, early childhood special education, Early On, special education adult transition programs and services, school-age care, alternative educational opportunities and adults education; virtual campus offerings; market trends and projections; funding procurement; and strategic planning goals and objectives.
Stakeholders were invited to get involved.
“Community input remains an important part of the process,” said Russo. “Plante Moran Realpoint is forming an advisory committee to look at data from the facilities utilization study and assess our short- and long-term needs. This committee will include a sampling of representatives from each building, parents, staff, board members, local business owners and individuals from special interest groups, such as our special education parent advisory committee and parent-teacher association.”
Results from the facilities utilization study will be shared publicly with the Board of Education and the community as information becomes available.
“We are committed to an inclusive and transparent process,” said Russo. “Our schools represent the pride of our community and this comprehensive assessment will ensure we are optimizing facilities and operations to best meet the needs of our students, staff and families.”
Community members are invited to share questions and concerns by using the Talk to RCS feature on the district’s website at www.rochester.k12.mi.us.
Making connections through joyful, meaningful learning
Making connections through joyful, meaningful learning
“What a joy it is to see children connect their knowledge to the world around them,” said first grade teacher Laura Kirklin. “When learning becomes meaningful, students can be fully engaged critical thinkers who make important contributions in their daily lives.”
As educational programs continually evolve, research shows that student-centered, inquiry-based instructional strategies help students develop skills related to learning, literacy and life.
“Meaningful learning is a process of connecting new knowledge to prior understanding,” said Pasquale Cusumano, assistant superintendent of secondary and adult education. “Meaningful learning is active, constructive and long-lasting. It allows students to be fully engaged in the learning process.”
Fostering positive learning environments
A peek into Mrs. Kirklin’s classroom shows first graders participating in reading and writing workshop activities where students work together to develop decoding, phonics and comprehension skills. Importantly, these academic lessons take place within a climate of trust—and they are focused on students sharing their opinions, ideas and knowledge.
Students read with buddies; record their ideas in daily gratitude journals; have pen pal companions at a local senior center; share reviews with their favorite local businesses; and create their own Kidland game with unique characters to make phonics fun and interactive.
At the end of a word game similar to musical chairs, a student immediately responded, “That was so fun! Can we play again?”
“Especially at the elementary level, play-based learning is personal and deeply rewarding, because children are engaged in meaningful activities that they truly enjoy with people they truly care about,” Kirklin said. At morning meetings, young students say hello in different languages, shake hands, support one another through struggles and build respectful, inclusive relationships.
“Our districtwide Positivity Project builds character traits and challenges young learners to reflect on how they can contribute to a better classroom, school, local community and world,” Kirklin said.
Prioritizing relevant, relatable learning
Meaningful learning involves a true understanding of how all the pieces of an entire concept fit together, beyond memorized answers to fixed questions. In this way, students are able to transfer and adapt their knowledge to solve new problems, examine new situations and build their skills.
As an example, to personalize lessons on plant life, weather and ecosystems, elementary students have created community gardens. To deepen their understanding of history, middle schoolers engage in role-playing activities to imagine themselves prioritizing issues as authors of the U.S. Constitution. To examine math and physics data related to traction and speed, high school students partner with traffic experts to reconstruct vehicle accident scenes.
“We connect content to the real world,” said Brandon Shurter, Advanced Placement (AP) environmental science teacher. Using local parks as their nontraditional classroom setting, high schoolers step into waders before entering the Clinton River to collect water samples and analyze dissolved oxygen levels that affect the macroinvertebrate population. “These field studies give students a hands-on look at the health of our stream ecosystems,” Shurter said. “This experience provides a lens to think about global environmental issues as well. Their learning builds and adapts and can be applied to new bodies of knowledge.”
Additional class activities with practical applications include personal home energy audits to assess the energy consumption in students’ households; experiments to calculate power generated from photovoltaic cells and spinning turbines; and harvesting lettuce grown on indoor hydroponic garden towers.
One student said the class inspired her to join the Green Club so she could put her knowledge to better use. “It wasn’t until I volunteered for the Green Club that I truly understood the impact of reducing, reusing and recycling,” she said. “This opportunity to lead recycling efforts at school affected my family’s practices and habits at home too. I’m even looking at environmental science as a possible career. The more I learn, the more I care about taking care of our natural resources. We sponsor an annual tree planting program, recycle holiday lights and participate in Earth Week initiatives. Hands-on work with my peers extends my educational success beyond a report card or exam.”
Uncovering the joy of discovery
“Learning is enhanced when students feel a sense of passion and excitement about the subject matter,” said information literacy specialist Jennifer Lin. “We give students freedom and flexibility to learn about issues that are important to them.”
Lin collaborates closely with language arts teacher Eva Hensley to implement the eighth-grade research project. This requires students to use databases for their research, evaluate sources for credibility and relevancy, synthesize information in awritten paper and present their findings to peers, families and community members.
“While students are held to high academic standards, what makes this project meaningful and personal is that the content is student-directed, down to how they want to share the knowledge,” Lin said. “In years past, students have chosen to present their findings beyond PowerPoints. They designed and created call-to-action pins and stickers, recorded podcasts, made and distributed infographics and brochures, and one group even put together a puppet show.”
Lin said, “Students select their own personal passion projects. They have academic expectations to meet, but choosing the subject matter puts them in charge of their own learning experiences. Their learning is deeper and more complex than if we had assigned random topics.”
This semester, middle school students have chosen research subjects including social media’s impact on teens, immigration, substance abuse, anxiety, air pollution and gang violence. When asked why they selected their topics, one group of students responded, “We want to be involved in repairing the world. These are the things we wonder about and care about.”
With a commitment to students’ personal growth and success, Lin also ensures that her media center offers a wide variety of STEM activities, 3D printing, coding, inclusive books with diverse characters and stories, a makerspace club, technology-enhanced learning and other timely, creative outlets that students to enjoy.
“I am proud that Rochester Community Schools celebrates the creative ideas, voices and gifts of all students at all grade levels,” Cusumano said. “Every single day, we are inspired by meaningful, joyful learning that motivates students to reach their fullest potential.”
2025-26 Calendar Highlights
Dates for the district calendar are determined through a collective bargaining process between Rochester Community Schools and the Rochester Education Association. Major holiday breaks for the 2025-26 school year are in line with the Oakland County Common Calendar.
2025-26 School Calendar Highlights
First day of school (half day): Aug. 25, 2025
Thanksgiving recess: Nov. 26-28, 2025
Winter recess: Dec. 22, 2025 – Jan. 2, 2026
Mid-winter recess: Feb. 16-17, 2026
Spring break: March 30, 2026 – April 3, 2026
Last day of school (half day): June 10, 2026
Making sense of math with empowered learners
Gone are the days of rote memorization. With new, engaging math instruction, Rochester Community Schools students experience rich, inquiry-based learning that promotes a growth mindset, builds positive math identities and values deep conceptual understanding over speed.
The RCS K-12 math curriculum challenges students to gather evidence, think critically and share multiple math strategies, so they are able to build problem-solving and communication skills, make connections across concepts and develop procedural fluency to last a lifetime.
“Traditionally, math instruction was heavy on memorization and mimicking,” said Mike Gittner, district math coach. “In the past, students may have gotten by with memorizing an isolated technique for a quiz, but they didn’t necessarily understand why they were doing it. They weren’t required to know how the math worked. In contrast, we build thinking classrooms where students are the doers of mathematics. Math instruction doesn’t just happen to students; they are actively engaged with it. We want student-mathematicians to build number sense and deep comprehension of concepts so they can apply math knowledge to new situations beyond the test questions and beyond the grade level. The knowledge carries through.”
The Bridges in Mathematics curriculum is in its third year of implementation for RCS students in kindergarten through fifth grade. It features relevant, open-ended tasks and lessons that allow educators to make productive adaptations to ensure each student can develop a positive math identity.
“In RCS classrooms, students gather evidence, explain their thinking and develop respect for others’ reasoning. Teachers encourage students to employ multiple strategies when solving problems. They empower students by providing opportunities to work in pairs, discuss in small groups and share with the whole class,” said Kim Mroczek, district math coach. “There is dialogue and rich thinking around the work.”
Using manipulatives, visual models and connections to the real world, RCS K-12 math students employ mathematical reasoning in all aspects of their engagement with math concepts. Bridges assessments and i-Ready diagnostic assessments show measurable growth from fall 2023 to spring 2024 and multi-grade interactions help students understand and build on concepts and move them forward.
Middle school math coach Julie Schmidt highlights that RCS educators are helping students reduce math anxiety and overcome “I can’t” feelings by turning mistakes and struggles into learning experiences that value persistence, perseverance, effort and productive struggle.
“Math classrooms aren’t quiet places where students sit alone at their desk and hide their work,” she said. “Classmates work together at vertical whiteboards, notice strategies used by partners, discuss different approaches and justify and respectfully critique each other’s reasoning. These effective teaching and learning practices exist as a through line for RCS K-12 mathematics.”
At the high school level, this K-12 preparation leads students to construct strategies and reason through concrete, representational and abstract understandings of math.
“With a growth mindset, students collaborate and grow in math content knowledge, strategy development and confidence,” said math coach Jill Gumz. “As our students engage in the standards of mathematical practices, they are developing the analytical, modeling and critical thinking skills that will equip them to succeed in the evolving demands of career, college and life.”
RCS graduates with CTE training are in high demand
Career readiness initiatives prepare Rochester Community Schools students for professional pathways that align with their individual skills, interests, values and aspirations. For some, that means a traditional college degree after high school graduation. For others, the career journey may look different, with training in the military, trades or other industries where experience and knowledge is gained in different ways.
Beginning in elementary school, students use Xello, a comprehensive career and education planning tool, to regularly evaluate their interests, strengths and potential career matches. Through middle school and high school, RCS provides a wide array of career exposures so young adults can choose electives and extracurricular activities that align with their career goals.
RCS proudly offers 12 rigorous, focused, state-approved career and technical education (CTE) programs that provide work-based learning experiences, technical skills and the opportunity to earn industry certifications and credentials as an extension of the high school curriculum. Program specialties include: business administration, management and operations; finance; marketing; computer science; digital multimedia; engineering technology; drafting and design technology; mechatronics; mechanical drafting; woodworking; health science; and educational careers.
“CTE training prepares graduates for immediate entry into high-wage, high-demand careers,” said Karen Malsbury, director of career readiness, CTE and career-focused education (CFE). According to the U.S. Department of Labor, for example, professionals in accounting make an average of $80,000 per year; $107,000 in engineering; and $102,000 in computer programming.
“A postsecondary degree is valuable for many individuals, but the college-for-all model isn’t realistic in this dynamic and diverse job market,” Malsbury said. “CTE training is an effective pathway to stackable credentials, good paying jobs, on-the-job training, future opportunities and rewarding careers.”
Oakland Schools Technical Campuses, known as OSTC, provide additional opportunities for students in CTE-focused programs at various Oakland County locations. These programs are offered during the school day, in coordination with RCS class schedules.
Additionally, career technical student organizations allow high schoolers to learn, grow and excel beyond the classroom. Members compete in local and national competitions through the Michigan Industrial & Technology Education Society (MITES), Business Professionals of America, FIRST Robotics, HOSA Future Health Professionals, Educators Rising and more. RCS students collect numerous awards each year, including recognition for virtual enterprise business plans, handcrafted wood items, robotics engineering, health care expertise and more.
Business students involved with DECA are currently filming video segments about companies trying to improve customer service by meeting increasing customer demands. These videos will undergo a competitive screening process to compete at the local, state and national level.
“As we learn about the principles of business management, we are also practicing marketing and video production skills to compete with other business students,” the Stoney Creek High School seniors said. “It’s real-world learning with real-world applications. It’s very exciting as we think about the next steps in our education and careers! We feel well-informed and well-prepared.”
Prioritizing safety remains a top priority
Protecting students, staff and the community remains a top priority.
By law, all Michigan schools must develop and adopt an Emergency Operations Plan (EOP) with approval from the board of education. The Rochester Community School District EOP covers more than 100 topics and contains over 200 pages of information that addresses emergency medical response; threats and criminal activity; fire and weather-related emergencies; training; improvements for school security; communications; and more.
A team of district leaders continues to meet regularly to review and update the EOP. This team is comprised of school resource officers, safety consultants, principals, counselors, social workers, school psychologists, facilities and communications professionals.
Although detailed information within the EOP remains confidential and is exempt from the Freedom of Information Act for security reasons, the greater Rochester community can be assured that the district continues to prioritize safety.
This year, RCS teachers, administrators and staff received active assailant response information from the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office (OCSO) training unit, in a partnership with school resource officers from the Rochester Police Department and the OCSO.
Students watched age-appropriate safety videos. Standard Response Protocol cards were updated and placed in every classroom and common area for easy access. Evacuation and reunification sites were reevaluated and adjusted districtwide. A self-harm assessment process was developed by our subject matter experts.
Facility updates include the installation of window tint and door shades; assessment of thumb-turn locks; additional portable automated external defibrillators (AEDs); installation of 200 security cameras in addition to the 1,500 cameras districtwide; providing critical-response floor plan maps; and more.
Partnerships remain critical to the district’s success.
New this year is Michigan’s Handle with Care program, a trauma-informed response to child maltreatment and children’s exposure to violence. The goal is to provide protection, prevention, education, advocacy and services. When law enforcement has an interaction, where a student could have a traumatic response, the officer sends a Handle with Care message to the portal. The information is forwarded to school district contacts who then share it with the appropriate building administrator. This service helps to provide some context about a student’s behavior or actions for better understanding and support.
“Nothing is more important than the safety of our school community; but we can’t do it alone. We are truly grateful for our law enforcement professionals, mental health and service organizations, state agencies and safety experts who support our schools,” said Deputy Superintendent Dr. Neil DeLuca. “Our students, staff and families have also played a large role by sharing information with trusted adults if they see or hear something that doesn’t seem right. Confidential tips can be reported using OK2SAY, the Michigan student safety program.”
Preparing future leaders in medical careers
Aspiring doctors and health care professionals can get an early start in their training, thanks to a new high school elective that explores medical careers and allows students to graduate with industry credentials and certifications. Through hands-on, work-based, experiential learning in clinical settings, students learn a wide variety of skills to prepare them for future health-related occupations.
This pilot program has 28 high schoolers from across the district who receive collaborative instruction from Tanya Regmont, the RCS school nurse, Erin Slomka, Rochester High School science teacher, and health care professionals in the field.
“Students taking this class are building skills to identify, evaluate, prevent and treat diseases,” Regmont said. “No matter what they specialize in later, they will have a robust foundation in anatomy, pathophysiology, medical terminology, emergency response, basic first aid, workplace safety, legal and ethical considerations and cultural competence--which are essential across all medical fields.”
Students work in classrooms and labs to master vital sign assessment, infection control and basic patient support to earn clinical medical assistant (CCMA) credentials from the National Healthcareer Association. In addition, they observe and learn in clinical rotations with local health partners nine hours per week over four weeks. Clinical placements may include urgent care centers, hospitals, physician offices, rehabilitation centers and senior care facilities. RCS is grateful for the business partners who help train our students for potential careers in our own community.
This group of high-achieving students has expressed interest in a variety of careers including physician assistants, radiologists, respiratory care therapists, health fitness specialists, geneticists, pediatricians, cardiologists, pharmacists, nurses and more.
“Choosing a career can be daunting,” said Slomka, a high school biology teacher. “This early introduction to health care specialties really helps students create a well-informed educational path that suits their own interests, abilities and aspirations.”
“Medical professionals are in high demand,” said Regmont. “Whether they choose a clinical career path by providing direct patient care, or choose a non-clinical, behind-the-scenes career path, RCS graduates can expect to be knowledgeable, experienced and well-equipped as the health care leaders of the future.
BOE approves agreement to invest in district teachers
The Board of Education of Rochester Community Schools approved the tentative contractual agreement as presented by district administration and the Rochester Education Association (REA) during a board work session on Sept. 3, 2024. Through the agreement, the district is investing an additional $33 million in RCS teachers over the next three years.
“One of the most critical investments we make for students is investing in our highly qualified and trained staff. Our RCS teachers are the core of this investment. I want to thank our Board of Education for approving the three-year contract with the Rochester Education Association, and I want to thank every member of our negotiating team who worked diligently over the course of months to bring and ratify a contract that values and retains outstanding teachers and talent,” said Superintendent Nicholas Russo, Ed.S.
For seven months, administrators representing the district and the REA/Michigan Education Association (MEA) engaged in negotiations using Interest-Based Bargaining, a process the district originally adopted in January 2019. Using this collaborative bargaining approach, the teams were able to focus on mutually beneficial interests and outcomes, while keeping students at the forefront.
“As president of the Rochester Education Association, I’m proud of the collaboration and consensus building that the teams put at the center of the bargaining process. This contract provides teachers with much deserved raises. It also provides new parameters for evaluations and teacher protection that allow teachers to focus on what they do best, providing RCS students an excellent education,” said REA President Elizabeth Schroeck.
The bargaining teams participated in 21 sessions and spent more than 120 hours together, exploring options and then developing contractual language for the final tentative agreement. The REA membership ratified the tentative agreement on Aug. 29, 2024.
“Rochester Community Schools is fortunate to have a highly knowledgeable, caring and talented workforce. Our teachers are our backbone and the district is proud to have a collaborative relationship with their representatives. This agreement is an investment in our trusted professionals so that they may continue to do the vital work at the core of our purpose – the education of our students,” said Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources Dave Murphy.
Following district practices, the REA master agreement is publicly available on the RCS website.
Some of the contract details include: a reduction of the salary step schedule from 18 to 15 steps; increases in base salary by three percent in year one, three percent in year two, and $2,000 in year three; increases in longevity pay; mutually agreeable language on formerly prohibited subjects of bargaining such as teacher evaluations, layoffs and recalls, teacher placement and teacher rights.
“The board is pleased to have approved an agreement with our teachers that recognizes their dedication and hard work. This agreement reflects our commitment to providing a high-quality education for our students while also supporting our educators with fair compensation and working conditions. I want to thank all those who were involved in the negotiations over the past year. We look forward to continuing our partnership with the teachers to ensure the success of our schools and the well-being of our community,” said Board of Education President Michelle Bueltel.
The former labor contract covered the period from Feb. 1, 2022, through June 30, 2024. The new contract is a three-year agreement, from Sept. 3, 2024, through June 30, 2027.
“As shortages in the workforce continue to challenge many industries, I believe this long-term contract will prove pivotal in providing increased stability for our organization,” said Russo. “Today’s contract approval demonstrates how our Rochester Community Schools Board of Education and our leadership team value our dedicated teachers.”
RCS-REA Reach Contract Agreement
The Board of Education of Rochester Community Schools has approved the tentative contractual agreement (5-2) as presented by district administration and the Rochester Education Association (REA) during a board work session on Tuesday. Through the agreement, the district is investing an additional $33 million in RCS teachers over the next three years.
“One of the most critical investments we make for students is investing in our highly qualified and trained staff. Our RCS teachers are the core of this investment. I want to thank our Board of Education for approving the three-year contract with the Rochester Education Association, and I want to thank every member of our negotiating team who worked diligently over the course of months to bring and ratify a contract that values and retains outstanding teachers and talent,” said Superintendent Nicholas Russo, Ed.S.
During the past seven months, administrators representing the district and the Rochester Education Association/Michigan Education Association engaged in negotiations using Interest-Based Bargaining, a process the district originally adopted in January 2019. Using this collaborative bargaining approach, the teams were able to focus on mutually beneficial interests and outcomes, while keeping students at the forefront.
"As president of the Rochester Education Association, I'm proud of the collaboration and consensus building that the teams put at the center of the bargaining process. This contract provides teachers with much deserved raises. It also provides new parameters for evaluations and teacher protection that allow teachers to focus on what they do best, providing RCS students an excellent education,” said REA President Elizabeth Schroeck.
The bargaining teams participated in 21 sessions and spent more than 120 hours together, exploring options and then developing contractual language for the final tentative agreement. The REA membership ratified the tentative agreement on Aug. 29, 2024.
“Rochester Community Schools is fortunate to have a highly knowledgeable, caring and talented workforce. Our teachers are our backbone and the district is proud to have a collaborative relationship with their representatives. This agreement is an investment in our trusted professionals so that they may continue to do the vital work at the core of our purpose – the education of our students,” said Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources Dave Murphy.
Following district practices, the REA master agreement will be publicly available on the RCS website once the agreement is signed and dated.
Some of the contract details include: a reduction of the salary step schedule from 18 to 15 steps; increases in base salary by three percent in year one, three percent in year two, and $2,000 in year three; increases in longevity pay; mutually agreeable language on formerly prohibited subjects of bargaining such as teacher evaluations, layoffs and recalls, teacher placement and teacher rights.
“The board is pleased to have approved an agreement with our teachers that recognizes their dedication and hard work. This agreement reflects our commitment to providing a high-quality education for our students while also supporting our educators with fair compensation and working conditions. I want to thank all those who were involved in the negotiations over the past year. We look forward to continuing our partnership with the teachers to ensure the success of our schools and the well-being of our community,” said Board of Education President Michelle Bueltel.
The former labor contract covered the period from Feb. 1, 2022, through June 30, 2024. The new contract is a three-year agreement, from Sept. 3, 2024, through June 30, 2027.
“As shortages in the workforce continue to challenge many industries, I believe this long-term contract will prove pivotal in providing increased stability for our organization,” said Russo. “Today’s contract approval demonstrates how our Rochester Community Schools Board of Education and our leadership team value our dedicated teachers.”
Kelley Cusmano, Michigan Teacher of the Year!
Rochester Community Schools teacher, Kelley Cusmano, is the 2024-25 Michigan Teacher of the Year! State Superintendent Dr. Michael F. Rice surprised Ms. Cusmano with the top honor during an assembly in front of approximately 1,600 students and her colleagues at Rochester High School.
“It’s important for the Michigan Department of Education (MDE) to recognize the outstanding work that our teachers do and to hear their voices as we work collectively to make our schools even better,” Dr. Rice said. “Ms. Cusmano is going to be a strong representative of our teachers.”
The MDE organizes the Teacher of the Year program to honor and elevate the voices of teachers. Honorees will have the opportunity to share their experiences and knowledge as they work with stakeholders to strengthen Michigan’s public schools for students and educators.
“Kelley is truly deserving of the Teacher of the Year award, and we are proud of her for earning this honor. Kelley is passionate, nurturing and relentless in her efforts to support our students. She is always looking for ways to motivate her students to achieve more than they ever thought they could,” said Josh Wrinkle, Rochester High School principal.
In April, MDE announced that 10 Michigan educators were selected as Regional Teachers of the Year. Cusmano represented region 9. A panel of statewide education stakeholders then interviewed the finalists before selecting Cusmano as Michigan’s Teacher of the Year.
“We are excited to celebrate Kelley. As Michigan Teacher of the Year, Kelley represents what is best about being an educator. With an understanding heart, a passion for teaching and learning, and the ability to build interpersonal relationships with students, staff and the community, she is truly making a difference growing and developing our future leaders,” said Executive Director of Secondary Education Dr. Neil DeLuca.
Ms. Cusmano has been an educator for more than 18 years. She earned a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction, a bachelor’s degree in English and an administrative K-12 certificate, all from Michigan State University.
Ms. Cusmano joined RCS in 2008 as an English Language Arts teacher at Rochester High School. The following year, she accepted the additional role as student council advisor – a position that she has embraced for the past 15 years.
“As a student council advisor, Kelley influences our school culture and climate by building positive relationships that are the foundation for all learning,” said Mr. Wrinkle. "The future of education is strong because of dedicated teachers like Kelley.
According to MDE, the Michigan Teacher of the Year has a seat at the state board of education table as a non-voting member, attends several national conferences with fellow teachers of the year from other U.S. states and territories, and will be Michigan’s candidate for National Teacher of the Year recognition.
“Rochester Community Schools is honored to celebrate Kelley Cusmano as Michigan’s Teacher of the Year. In this role, Kelley has the opportunity to expand her reach when advocating for students and the teaching profession. We couldn’t be more proud,” said RCS Interim Superintendent John Silveri.
The Gerstacker Fellowship Program
Congratulations to Brooklands principal, Sara Crowley, on being inducted as a Gerstacker fellow for the 2024-25 school year. The Gerstacker Fellowship Program at Saginaw Valley State University provides a transformational leadership experience that exponentially expands the ability to maximize potential, creatively solve problems and implement meaningful change in our K-12 teaching and learning communities. Through international travel opportunities, fellows can appreciate the cultural elements that frame educational systems from around the world.
District administrators who are graduates of the esteemed Gerstacker Fellowship Program are: Pasquale Cusumano, assistant superintendent of secondary and adult education; Josh Wrinkle, Rochester High School principal; Lisa Fosnaugh, West Middle School principal; Laura Bidlack, Musson Elementary School principal; and Dr. Neil DeLuca, deputy superintendent.
2025 National Merit Scholarship Program
Celebrating academic excellence
Congratulations to the Rochester Community School District’s 2025 National
Merit® Scholarship Program semifinalists and commended scholars!
The Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test is a standardized
assessment administered nationally through the College Board to
measure knowledge and skills in reading, writing and math.
By taking the PSAT/NMSQT in the fall of their junior year, students have the
opportunity to meet the requirements for the esteemed National Merit
Scholarship Program, an academic competition for recognition and scholarships
that began in 1955.
Out of 1.3 million entrants, approximately 34,000 with the highest PSAT/
Selection Index Scores were designated as commended scholars. More than
16,000 of the highest scorers, representing less than 1% of the nation’s high
school graduating seniors, qualify as semifinalists.
According to nationalmerit.org, approximately 95% (more than 15,000) of
the semifinalists are expected to become finalists in the competition, attesting
to their distinguished academic performance.
This outstanding academic achievement is a tribute to the hard work and
determination that is in keeping with the highest tradition of excellence
within the Rochester Community School District.
Congratulations to our district scholars from Adams (AHS), Rochester (RHS),
and Stoney Creek (SCHS) high schools and the International Academy (IA).
Semifinalists
Rishika Balakrishnan, RHS
Vaughn Campbell, RHS
Adit Garg, RHS
Ana Grajales, AHS
Minjun Kim, IA
StanLi McHaney, AHS
Jay Modi, AHS
Vishal Myneni, AHS
Jackson Otlewski, IA
Jaden Singer, SCHS
Sanjith Sambath, IA
Stefanie Schneider, IA
Tymon Szawiela, RHS
Franny Wang, AHS
Commended
Aayushi Banerjee, AHS
Garrett Berry, SCHS
Siddhant Bhat, AHS
Carly Bruce, SCHS
Hardy Chen, AHS
Sofia Dobrin, SCHS
Vivian Ferow, AHS
Emily Gamage, SCHS
Adam Glinski, RHS
Aarush Gota, AHS
Daniela Guedez-Chirinos, SCHS
Abigail He, RHS
Thomas Kawasaki, AHS
Aiden Kim, AHS
Isaac Kurian, AHS
Joseph Lentz, AHS
Kevin Li, AHS
Prisha Malani, AHS
Immanuel Moses, RHS
Paige O’Neill, RHS
Momoko Paris, RHS
Liliana Pastora Monterosso, SCHS
Naiylah Qadri, RHS
Robert Romanski, AHS
Julia Salanta, RHS
Anasua Shome, SCHS
Yashieta Somani, AHS
James Tsamaidis, AHS
Isabel Wilinski, SCHS
Eryn Yang, AHS
Hyein Yang, SCHS
Matt Zhang, AHS
RCS ranks among the country's Best Communities for Music Education
For the tenth year, Rochester Community Schools has been honored with the Best Communities for Music Education designation from the NAMM Foundation. This award recognizes the outstanding efforts of RCS teachers, administrators, parents, students and community leaders to support music access and music education as part of a well-rounded education for all children. RCS is one of only 21 school districts in the state of Michigan to receive this honor for 2024.
“We are proud to be part of a learning community that values music education,” said Keenan Thomason, district music teacher and curriculum consultant. “Evidence shows that making music improves attentiveness, abstract reasoning and creativity for children. Plus, it showcases student talent and provides beautiful entertainment for our audiences!” RCS is one of only 21 school districts in the state of Michigan to receive this honor for 2024.
Celebrating family time and fitness in support of RCS
On Sept. 28, runners of all ages attended the Rochester Community Schools (RCS) Foundation Hometown Hustle 5K and one-mile color fun run, presented by Chief Financial Credit Union. With 1,333 registered participants, 60 community sponsors, and 175 volunteers who worked 874 hours, the event proved to be a huge success.
“The Hometown Hustle 5K has become an unofficial kick-off to fall for this community. It’s a great way to support our local students while getting outside and meeting the community,” said Tom Dluzen, Chief Financial Credit Union president and CEO. “It’s been an honor to be the presenting sponsor for the Hometown Hustle for the past eight years and start the race right here at our Chief headquarters. Part of what makes our community special are the many families who are a part of the local schools.”
The mission of the RCS Foundation is to support and advance learning for all Rochester Community Schools students by obtaining contributions for academics, arts and athletics.
“The Hometown Hustle is not only a great community event, but it also serves as the principal fundraiser for the RCS Foundation, which supports student learning in the district through scholarships, grant opportunities and enrichment programs,” said Joann Beydoun, RCS Foundation director. “We are truly grateful for the support of our district colleagues, students, families, friends and local businesses.”
In recent years, the RCS Foundation has provided funding to establish a districtwide orchestra program, enrich classroom learning, award scholarships, provide wellness training and resources, and more. To learn more, visit: rcs-foundation.org.
RCS strategic planning process
Identifying priorities. Creating a unified sense of purpose. Driving action.
Rochester Community Schools has a rich history of excellence that has been strengthened over time through the strategic planning process.
Continually advancing educational experiences for all students and staff can be achieved through an evolution of the systems that drive learning and teaching. The foundation for this evolution is the development of a vision, which provides the basis for the district’s strategic plans.
The vision outlines how Rochester Community Schools will continue to develop, support, enhance and drive forward learning through five key areas: learning, teaching, leadership, professional development and community engagement. It reflects a collaborative effort among all stakeholders, inclusive of district students, teachers, administrators, staff, parents, caregivers, graduates, community members and the Board of Education.
Learning. Rochester Community Schools believes that well-rounded students who possess core academic knowledge, high levels of self-awareness and the ability to apply their learning have the skills that will enable them to thrive in a continually evolving global society. The district ensures all students have independence in foundational literacy, mathematics, science and humanities skills. These skills, along with embedded coaching on character, citizenship, creativity, critical thinking, collaboration, cultural proficiency and communication, will continue to prepare students for success beyond school.
Progress will be determined by evidence that includes, but also reaches beyond, grades and standardized test scores to demonstrate grade-level proficiency and growth. This evidence-based approach ensures that all students, at all ability levels, get learning experiences tailored to their needs. RCS empowers students to be owners of their learning by engaging them as co-creators of their experiences and action plans. Learners set and reflect upon goals while having opportunities to provide and respond to feedback from a variety of sources.
Relevance and global connection are developed through career exposure and exploration. A variety of specialized focus areas in individual schools, along with Career and Technical Education (CTE) offerings across the district, enhance college-bound and direct-to-work pathways, enabling students to access career certifications, advanced coursework options and post-secondary credit.
The district creates a sense of belonging and supports the development of skills and habits that enable physical, social-emotional and mental wellness. Content is culturally relevant and includes opportunities for all students to concentrate on areas of interest and passion through remedial, on-level, and advanced/accelerated pathways. To ensure the district continues to foster this culture of belonging, students have meaningful input into practices and approaches to learning in collaboration with RCS educators.
Teaching. Rochester Community Schools is committed to cultivating the art of teaching through a culture of innovative excellence.
The district believes that teaching is both an art and a science, where approaches are flexible and adaptive to meet the needs of each learner. To sustain this culture, the district honors and respects innovative and effective educators and facilitates the sharing and adoption of their practices.
In an effort to enhance educator effectiveness, RCS evaluates and appropriately adjusts its time structures. Common planning empowers educators to collaborate on lessons grounded in academic standards, share promising practices, align assessments and hone their professional skills. Educators have access to a variety of focused data sets that enable customized approaches to teaching to address individual learner needs. Lessons embed high-interest enrichment experiences in areas such as science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics (STEAM) and community-connected projects, in ways that are accessible to all students.
Environments that are safe and reflective of district values inspire innovative approaches to learning and teaching. RCS spaces continue to accommodate a variety of learning preferences and needs. Educators are provided with the technologies and support needed to deliver engaging, real-world, connected learning.
To ensure every learner gets the academic, social and emotional support they need, RCS utilizes a multi-tiered system of academic and behavioral support. As part of a proactive approach to behavior, RCS teachers continue to utilize a deep knowledge of their students’ learning needs through relationship building, while modeling positive behaviors. Flexible staffing models may provide access to additional qualified educators, providing robust systems of intervention and enrichment.
Leadership. Leadership is demonstrated by a set of behaviors and actions that inspire and bring people together to achieve their best. To this end, RCS leaders foster a culture of transparency and empathy-building across the district that creates a sense of belonging, engagement and professional growth.
The RCS board of education, central administrators and school leaders regularly collaborate to develop a shared approach to district improvement. Policies, administrative regulations and structures support the district’s vision while enabling RCS to align resources, personnel and budget to the prioritized needs of the district. These aligned systems allow the district to measure the effectiveness of its programs and work to make identified adjustments.
Alignment between the district and schools continues to ensure cohesive vision progress. Communication provides stakeholders with a clear view of strategic goals, innovative practices and decision-making processes.
Current employee effectiveness, commitment and happiness are the foundation for the district’s continued excellence. Leaders model and support a healthy work/life balance. Administrators regularly engage staff members about what motivates them, their growth and initiative implementation while providing feedback about their practices. To ensure continuous improvement and achievement of the highest standards, evaluation structures will be responsive to the needs of students and educators.
Rochester Community Schools’ recruitment, retention and hiring practices continue to include a variety of approaches to securing the best educators, support personnel and administrators who are able to carry out the district’s vision. Cohesive development opportunities deepen the talent pool of leaders while creating sustainable systems that enable Rochester Community Schools to evolve. District committees and subcommittees include educators, representative employees, parents/caregivers, community members and students to provide a problem-solving partnership that is equitable in representation, varied in perspectives and transparent in practice.
Professional Development. A focused and sustained investment in people provides the foundation for continued excellence, growth and innovation in Rochester Community Schools. The district believes this investment is most impactful and inspiring when it includes all employee groups.
District departments and schools collaborate to ensure coherent professional learning experiences. RCS continues to utilize a variety of assessment methods to identify the needs of individual employees, schools and the district. Employees, inclusive of leadership, are provided the opportunity to engage in regular professional learning that is focused on their personal development and collective growth.
Professional learning goes beyond single sessions to include job-embedded coaching and ongoing assistance. RCS works to provide the time and support needed to implement, adjust and evolve new strategies and initiatives. Coaching is non-evaluative and provides timely feedback and personalized assistance tailored to the individual. For those new to their positions, RCS provides in-depth onboarding coupled with sustained mentorship. Employees have the opportunity to collaborate with peers across the district through programs and services such as professional learning networks, teacher labs and model worksites to provide immersive and
impactful development. These continued support strategies ensure that effective practices are implemented districtwide.
Community Engagement. Positive relationships between the district and the wider community are essential to the continued success of each. Rochester Community Schools is committed to fostering strong partnerships with all stakeholders to enhance student success.
RCS engages families as partners in their students’ educational experiences. The district continues to leverage a variety of communication methods and tools to provide strategic planning implementation updates, celebrate excellence, build trust and provide windows into life in the buildings. RCS schools share information that ensures families and the community have access to the resources needed to support student learning while providing opportunities to give feedback about the services offered.
District personnel continue to connect families in need with resources related to a variety of wrap-around services to ensure students are ready to engage in learning. To support parents and caregivers who are new to the district, transferring to a new school or interested in advocating for their students, Rochester Community Schools works to provide onboarding, support and collaborative opportunities.
The district continues to build partnerships with local government, businesses, educational institutions and philanthropic organizations that engage the local community in collaborative civic projects, volunteer opportunities, cooperative jobs, internships and apprenticeships. RCS employees build an understanding of local and global working practices to ensure the skills taught and learned are transferable. RCS strives to enable safe access to industry mentors and subject experts who are available through digital communication, face-to-face meetings and virtual field expeditions.
Because RCS is truly a community school district, facilities continue to be accessible, comfortable, technology-rich and of a professional standard so community members can use them for a variety of purposes.
To learn more about deliverables within the strategic plan, visit the Rochester Community School District website at: www.rochester.k12.mi.us.
Tri-High Charity Week raises over $93,000
Each year, Rochester Community Schools student council leaders from Adams, Rochester and Stoney Creek high schools organize a combined Charity Week to raise money for a cause that is important to them.
From March 1-8, 2024, RCS high schools participated in fundraisers and friendly competitions, raising $93,437.96 for Humble Design, a local nonprofit organization that changes lives by custom designing and fully furnishing home interiors for individuals, families and veterans emerging from homelessness.
“All of you working together are raising up our community,” said Chris Tull, executive director of Humble Design. “When we furnish a home for a family, we are not only impacting that family, we are impacting the block they live on, that neighborhood, and the whole community.”
Charity Week fundraising activities included school pep assemblies, spirit days, charity dinners, pancake breakfasts, a duck race, dodgeball tournament, semiformal dance, food auctions, raffles and more.
“It’s amazing to see how creative and passionate our students get when they are coming up with new ways to raise money for a great cause,” said Rochester High School Principal Josh Wrinkle.
Students from each high school pitch their charity ideas at a meeting of all three student government groups. They work together to do their research and vote on a winning charity. Students felt strongly connected to Humble Design and the opportunity to help people in need.
“Charity Week is one of the coolest events we organize,” said Hector Guzman, Stoney Creek student. “It’s an opportunity to put our rivalries aside and come together from all three schools for a common goal.”
Past Charity Week recipients include the Henry Ford Health Center for Living Donation, Yellow Ribbon Fund, ShelterBox USA, Common Ground and Neighborhood House.
Humble Design’s resources and services provide life-changing space, where individuals can experience safety, warmth and comfort. The Humble Design website notes, “We turn moving in – into moving forward.”
Tull stated that the RCS student contribution is the largest single donation of its kind that Humble Design has ever received.
“Nelson Mandela often used the word, Ubuntu, which means, I am because you are. When I see who our students and staff are and what they’ve accomplished and provided to our district, our community and Humble Design, I know that our future is in good hands,” said Debi Fragomeni, deputy superintendent for teaching and learning. “They are making a difference.”
Welcome Superintendent Nicholas Russo!
The Board of Education of the Rochester Community School District voted on Monday, April 8, to approve the superintendent contract for Nicholas Russo.
Mr. Russo will begin his term as superintendent on Monday, July 1, 2024.
“As an experienced teacher, principal and executive administrator, Mr. Russo has a demonstrated track record of excellence. Through a steadfast commitment to serving all RCS students, a passionate approach to building relationships, an intentional focus on business operations, and an emphasis on our strategic plan, we are confident that Mr. Russo can lead our district to new heights,” said Michelle Bueltel, board president.
Mr. Russo brings over 26 years of educational leadership experience to Rochester Community Schools. Prior positions include serving as the assistant superintendent of human resources at Walled Lake Consolidated Schools, principal of Conant Elementary in the Bloomfield Hills School District, and principal of Beacon Tree and Jack Harvey Elementary in the Utica Community School District.
Mr. Russo earned an educational specialist degree in executive leadership from the University of Michigan, a master’s degree in educational leadership from Wayne State University and a bachelor’s degree in education from Michigan State University. He is a graduate of the Michigan Leadership Institute’s SUPES Academy and holds a Michigan Central Office certificate, among others.
Mr. Russo states that his leadership approach “prioritizes collaboration, inclusivity and responsiveness to the needs of students and the community,” and he is committed to “fostering environments where both students and staff can thrive, advocating strongly for inclusion and equal access for all.”
"I am deeply honored and excited to lead a teaching and learning community that values tradition, student achievement and excellence. Working alongside dedicated Rochester Community School District teachers, administrators, staff, parents, caregivers and community partners is an incredible opportunity,” said Russo. “Together, we can build strong relationships that lay the foundation for student success.”
District calendar for the 2024-25 school year
Rochester Community Schools complete calendar for the 2024-25 school year is available on the district website. A printable copy can be accessed by clicking on the following link: 2024-2025RCSCalendar.pdf
Dates for the district calendar are determined through a collective bargaining process between Rochester Community Schools and the Rochester Education Association. School-specific information will be posted on the district website as updates become available.
RCS transcends its history of excellence
Rochester Community Schools celebrates excellence while continuously enhancing programs and services to meet the needs of all district learners.
“Rochester Community Schools is an amazing district with incredible students, dedicated and talented staff members, supportive families and collaborative community partners. We work tirelessly to ensure students are consistently engaged in activities that stimulate their learning and enhance their overall experience, which includes a feeling of belonging,” said Interim Superintendent John Silveri.
The district continues to transcend its history of excellence by offering additional programs and services that enrich the teaching and learning environment. Some of the recent updates include investing in social-emotional supports, offering free pre-kindergarten programs, establishing a dual enrollment scholarship fund, enhancing curriculum, and utilizing state-of-the-art technology.
Investing in enhanced support services. A $1.7 million investment ensured seven additional school counselors and eight academic interventionists are available to help students overcome challenges and achieve their personal best. These qualified professionals work alongside teachers, administrators, staff and families to provide multi-tiered systems of support including individualized coaching, collaboration and intervention for students in transitional kindergarten through grade 12.
“There are many factors that can influence a child’s ability to learn,” said Cory Heitsch, assistant superintendent of early childhood and elementary education. “Expanded educational teams are working with classroom teachers and families to increase resources and design individualized supports to meet the needs of each student.”
Free pre-K for four-year-old students. Rochester Community Schools is announcing free pre-kindergarten services for four-year-old children through the Michigan Department of Education’s Great Start Readiness Program (GSRP). For the 2023-24 and 2024-25 school year, the district will increase free pre-K slots; extend instructional hours to be consistent with full-day school calendar schedules; ensure a highly qualified and credentialed teaching staff; and potentially save eligible families up to $10,000 in tuition.
“RCS has a long history of providing high-quality pre-K programming for three- and four-year-old children,” said Heitsch. “The GSRP expansion will help increase access, affordability and instructional time, while supporting student growth and readiness.”
Dual enrollment scholarship fund. To provide students with additional opportunities to complete college courses while still in high school, RCS offers dual enrollment. Currently, more than 50 RCS high school students are enrolled in the program. The Michigan Department of Education administers the dual enrollment program across the state and provides a set amount of funding per student each semester.
Through a partnership with the Rochester Community Schools Foundation, a dual enrollment scholarship fund was established this past year to offset tuition costs at Oakland University and ensure even more students have access to these transformative educational experiences.
Bridges in Mathematics. Elementary students across the district are developing mathematical mindsets through the implementation of the district’s comprehensive K–5 curriculum resource, Bridges in Mathematics. This inquiry-based, student-centered curriculum helps young learners understand mathematical concepts and solve complex problems relatable to the world around them using visuals and hands-on manipulatives.
3D anatomy tables. Rochester Community Schools brings state-of-the art technology to advance studies in anatomy and biology, thanks to a collaborative effort between the RCS Foundation, career readiness and curriculum. Asclepius is a virtual dissection table that serves as a medical teaching aid, most often at the university level. Through detailed 3D anatomy structures, this tool provides students with the ability to visualize the complexities of the human body and perform dissections.
State of the district
It’s an exciting time for Rochester Community Schools as the district embarks on a new strategic planning process and searches for a new superintendent to lead the charge.
Fiscal stewardship. Maintaining fiscal stewardship is critically important to the district’s mission of providing a quality education. The Rochester Community Schools budget includes a balanced and equitable spending plan that is sustainable, promotes growth, and ensures high-quality student programming.
With modest state funding and the fourth-lowest school tax rate in the county, Rochester Community Schools maximizes opportunities to ensure students excel at the highest levels. To help provide additional resources, the district continues to pursue grant opportunities that support student and staff safety, elementary literacy and math education, mental health, and teacher retention.
For the seventh consecutive year, Rochester Community Schools was presented with the prestigious Association of School Business Officials International Meritorious Budget Award (MBA). The MBA recognizes excellence in school budget presentation and is conferred only to school districts whose budgets have undergone a rigorous review by finance professionals and have met or exceeded the program’s stringent criteria.
Rochester Community Schools was one of only three districts in the state of Michigan and one of 139 districts across the United States and Canada to be honored as a 2022-23 MBA recipient. The full listing for 2023-24 has not yet been released.
Superintendent search. The process of searching for a new superintendent is underway. Opportunities have already been provided for board input and stakeholder engagement. The position has been posted and the process of selecting applicants is progressing. Interviews will follow before the board selects the best person to lead Rochester Community Schools into the future.
“The superintendent plays a pivotal role in shaping the educational landscape of the community. We aim to find an individual who not only possesses the necessary skills and qualifications but also embodies the values that make our district exceptional,” said Michelle Bueltel, Board of Education president.
John Silveri is serving as the interim superintendent through June 2024. The goal will be to begin the 2024-25 school year with long-term leadership in place at the superintendent level.
“I have called Rochester home for the past 15 years, so it is even more meaningful to lead our school district, serving as a short-term bridge between your former and future superintendent,” said Silveri.
Strategic planning. Rochester Community Schools has a rich history of excellence that has been strengthened over time through the strategic planning process. Through a commonly understood path of action, strategic planning can create positive outcomes that ensure equitable practices, innovative work and engaged communities.
“We are excited to be fully engaged in the strategic planning process,” said Barb Anness, Board of Education vice president. “Through a shared vision and measurable goals and objectives, we will continue to build upon our world-class educational system at Rochester Community Schools.”
Non-homestead operating millage. To continue excellence in education, the district is grateful for the voters who overwhelmingly elected to approve a non-homestead operating millage proposal. This levy ensures the district can maintain its current full per-pupil revenue of $9,608. If the millage proposal did not pass, RCS per-pupil funding would have fallen to $8,060, which equates to a loss of approximately $24.5 million per year or 10.7 percent of current budgeted general fund revenues.
The community has demonstrated its commitment to education by approving the millage proposal.
“I believe there is nothing more important than the education of our children. It’s truly an honor to live and work in a community that places such a high priority on helping our students succeed now and into the future,” said Silveri. “Receiving our full per-pupil funding set by the state will help ensure resources are available so we can continue to provide the highest quality public education possible.”
RCS students participate in dual enrolled college courses
More than 50 RCS high school students are taking advantage of dual enrollment opportunities to advance their education and complete college courses at Oakland University, Oakland Community College and online—while they are still in high school.
Through these learning partnerships, students are able to maximize requirements, earning credits that count toward their high school diploma through the Michigan Merit Curriculum, while also earning college credits at the same time.
“Dual enrollment allows our students to engage in a more rigorous academic environment, experience higher education early on, and prepare themselves for future academic pursuits,” said Neil DeLuca, executive director of secondary education.
Typically, students access dual enrollment when they have completed all Rochester Community Schools course opportunities in a particular subject area. This semester, students are enrolled in college level courses including calculus III, oriented programming, French creative writing and advanced Spanish grammar.
“Dual enrollment offers the unique advantage of experiencing college-level coursework while still in high school, providing students with a head start on their academic journey,” said Taylor Antoski, an RCS teacher who helped develop a partnership with Oakland University to extend world language education from RCS to the university level. Some classes offer Oakland teachers onsite at RCS high schools and others have RCS students attending at the college campus in person during the school day.
RCS students who begin taking world language courses when first offered in seventh grade could complete
Advanced Placement® world language and culture in eleventh grade within the district. Additional dual enrollment options have been beneficial for individuals who continue to advance their world language learning and prepare for successful college work and careers.
The Michigan Department of Education administers the dual enrollment program across the state and provides a set amount of funding per student each semester, which is paid through Michigan Student Aid, free of charge to students. Semester-long courses at Oakland Community College are generally covered in full by this funding.
Additional Oakland University tuition costs can be offset through the Rochester Community Schools Foundation dual enrollment scholarship fund, which helps reduce financial barriers and ensure that more students have access to these transformative educational experiences.
“Dual enrollment allowed me to get a taste of what college-level Spanish is like and to understand if it’s going to be a good fit for me,” one high school senior said. “It has made me more well-rounded and better prepared for the future.”
New math curriculum for young learners
“It’s easier to learn math when I can see it, instead of just imagining it in my head,” said fifth-graders at Hugger Elementary. Their teacher, Deborah Grimes, agrees.
While calculating the area of rectangles and squares, elementary students use base ten blocks to physically build shapes. “I’m multiplying length times height, and I know how to do that,” one student said. “But the blocks are visual, so I can actually see what that means. It’s helpful.”
Manipulatives let students represent and interpret numbers, shapes and patterns to make sense of math. This is a key element of the district’s newly adopted Bridges in Mathematics curriculum, an inquiry-based and student-centered framework that helps young learners develop mathematical reasoning that is relatable to the world around them.
In talking about parts of the whole, RCS educators make lessons tangible and applicable. They teach fractions, decimals and percentages in terms of money. For example, half of a dollar is 50 cents; 20 percent of a hundred dollars is $20; and so on.
“Using make-believe coins and cardboard bills brings the lesson to life so we can understand,” one student said. “It makes sense to us.”
“The clock is also a useful teaching tool for fractions,” Grimes said. “Students can understand that 30/60 is half an hour and 15/60 is the same as 15 minutes. They have also gotten really good at multiples of 60 when calculating how long until recess.”
Across grade levels, the curriculum department continues to strengthen mathematics education, using calendar grids, Number Corner, challenge games, visual models and group activities that share multiple strategies for problem-solving.
Curriculum consultants, instructional coaches and interventionists emphasize that learning math is both an individual and social activity. Students often work in pairs and small groups to gather evidence, share results and explain their thinking.
“We are building fluency for each child and we sup- port productive struggle in learning mathematics,” said Mike Gittner, district math coach. “Our growth mindset is at work.”
During a recent professional development work- shop, elementary special education teachers partnered with general education colleagues to deepen learning about Bridges intervention resources to offer support and meet the needs of all students.
Kim Mroczek, district math coach said, “We are encouraging students and educators to pose purposeful questions and facilitate meaningful mathematical discourse to become better problem-solvers.”
Scholars take advantage of AP Capstone program
Highly motivated Rochester Community Schools scholars in the AP Capstone Diploma™ Program are developing critical thinking and research skills to prepare them for success in their academic careers and beyond.
RCS senior Caroline Bull had a perfect score on the AP Research exam—an honor achieved by only 357 students across the globe.
AP Capstone is a two-year College Board diploma program that offers high school students two rigorous yearlong courses: AP Seminar and AP Research. These courses develop students’ skills in research, analysis, evidence-based arguments, collaboration, writing, presenting and college-readiness.
“AP Capstone students enhance their academic skills for college readiness,” said Kara Sears, Rochester High School teacher. “They learn to develop well-reasoned arguments and present their findings clearly and concisely for a smooth transition to higher education.”
Importantly, students have the freedom to explore personal interests through research-intensive investigations of real-world problems, perspectives and solutions.
“It’s empowering to explore our own passions and topics that interest us,” one student said. “I’m not just growing as a scholar; I’m growing as a person.”
Some of the research topics chosen by students include: deforestation, nanotechnology development and energy consumption in Rochester Hills, artificial intelligence in the music industry, political maturity of adolescents, homelessness, practices to curb overfishing and inefficient transportation infrastructure caused by suburban sprawl.
“AP Capstone offers exceptional personal growth and development,” said Adams High School teacher Allie Danielson. “Students have an understanding of their role as citizens of a global community who are empowered to make positive improvements.”
Topics of interest range across many fields to cover clinical research, behavioral studies, social sciences, economics, technology, popular culture and more. One student, who is studying data collection and privacy associated with the social media activity of adolescents, hopes the evidence he presents will help his own friends and class- mates think more critically about their actions.
The Class of 2023 celebrated its inaugural AP Capstone graduates. RCS had 91 students earn the AP Capstone Diploma, receiving scores of three or higher in AP Seminar and AP Research and on four additional AP exams from the College Board.
This year, 145 students at all three RCS high schools are participating in the rigorous program.
Stoney Creek teacher Daniel Bliss said, “We are proud of our students for going above and be- yond to embark on this impressive pathway that makes college-level learning deeply personal and impactful.”
Kindergarten students develop a love for learning!
Rochester Community Schools is excited to welcome Transitional Kindergarten (TK) and Kindergarten students for the 2024-25 school year.
Transitional Kindergarten is for students turning 5 years old between June 1 and Dec 1.
For more information, families are encouraged to visit the district's TK/K webpage.
Free pre-K 4 programs for children in RCS
The Michigan Department of Education’s Great Start Readiness Program (GSRP) has expanded to increase early education options for families. GSRP is the nationally recognized state-funded preschool program offering kindergarten preparation for four-year-old children.
With enhanced GSRP state funding for the 2023-24 and 2024-25 school year, Rochester Community Schools will increase free pre-K slots; extend instructional hours to be consistent with full-day school calendar schedules; ensure a highly qualified and credentialed teaching staff; and potentially save eligible families approximately $10,000 per year in tuition costs.
“RCS has a long history of providing high-quality pre-K programming for three- and four-year-old children,” said Cory Heitsch, assistant superintendent of early childhood and elementary education. “The GSRP expansion will better meet the needs of families by increasing access, affordability and instructional time, while supporting student growth and kindergarten readiness.”
All GSRP programs work cooperatively with their intermediate school district and must adhere strictly to state standards for student-teacher ratios, early childhood specialist qualifications and classroom support plans.
Eligibility for free GSRP preschool is primarily determined based on family household income; thresholds have been lowered to allow access for more families. For the 2023-24 program year, GSRP eligibility is offered to households making up to 300% of the federal poverty level. The state determines income eligibility guidelines and families may find the federal poverty level calculator tool to be helpful when making estimations.
GSRP eligibility also requires that students reside in the state of Michigan, turn four years of age on or before Sept. 1 of the school year for which they are enrolling, and meet the household income requirements. Consideration is given to children with a qualifying IEP and children who are homeless or in foster care.
Families who believe they may qualify for free four-year-old preschool are encouraged to complete an INTEREST FORM NOW and can expect prompt follow-up. Click or copy and paste this link: https://forms.gle/6k4skBNU2434YYU67.
RCS GSRP programs for the 2024-25 school year are expected to be located at Hampton Elementary School (530 Hampton Circle, Rochester Hills) and Brewster Elementary School (1535 Brewster Road, Rochester Hills). GSRP registration is scheduled to open on Jan. 15, 2024, and remain open until all slots are filled. By completing an interest form in advance, families can complete documentation and have a better understanding of the program prior to registration.
RCS pre-K families with three- and four-year-old children can begin registration for the 2024-25 school year on March 4 for currently enrolled families and March 18 for new families. Additional information on RCS pre-K programs can be found on the district website or by visiting rochester.k12.mi.us, then selecting schools, district specialized, and pre-K.
Additional resources can be found below.
· Michigan Department of Education announcement: Expansions to GSRP will benefit thousands of children and families (Aug. 16, 2023)
· Families can visit www.mifreepreschool.org to find a GSRP near them, or they may contact their local intermediate school district.
· The GSRP program meets all 10 quality benchmarks recommended by the National Institute for Early Education Research (NIEER). Quality benchmarks include having strong teacher credentials, low staff-child ratios, smaller class sizes, and having a research-based curriculum.
· The high-quality early education/GSRP has continued to support Goal 1 of the state’s Top 10 Strategic Education Plan to expand early childhood learning opportunities.
Strategic Planning 2029 is underway
Rochester Community Schools has a rich history of excellence that has been strengthened over time through the strategic planning process.
To ensure RCS continues to provide high-quality education and innovative learning opportunities for all students, the Board of Education selected G&D Associates to serve as the facilitator for the next iteration of the strategic plan.
G&D continues to collaborate with all stakeholders to provide a roadmap for ongoing success. The process includes community engagement; data synthesis; vision development; strategic planning; implementation and adjustment as the system evolves.
Community engagement provides a voice for all stakeholders. Opportunities are leveraged through a community survey; focus groups; and a community forum.
To date, more than 6,000 RCS students, staff, family and community partners have already participated in this segment of the strategic planning process.
“The main purpose of the survey was to identify themes from multiple perspectives,” said Scott Fuller, G&D Associates facilitator. “It’s important to remember that the information was a snapshot of perception and the data will be utilized as one of several inputs for the development of the district’s vision for the future and strategic plan.”
Data synthesis ensures common outcomes, expectations and actions during the development of the strategic plan to prioritize the work of the organization.
Vision development paints a picture of what the organization will look like in the near future and serves as an actionable document that articulates direction, mission and guiding principles.
The strategic plan is drawn from the vision and outlines prioritized goals and objectives, while detailing specific actions as to how the district would realize its vision in manageable and measurable ways.
Through a commonly understood path of action, strategic planning can create positive outcomes that ensure equitable practices, innovative work and engaged communities.
“We are excited to be fully engaged in the strategic planning process,” said Barb Anness, Board of Education vice president. “Through a shared vision and measurable goals and objectives, we will continue to build upon our world-class educational system at Rochester Community Schools.”
Increased support services help RCS students succeed
A $1.7 million investment in additional support staff is helping Rochester Community Schools meet the comprehensive needs of students and raise their level of academic and personal success.
With the addition of seven new school counselors and eight academic interventionists across the district, RCS educational teams are better equipped to help students overcome challenges in the classroom and achieve their personal goals. These qualified professionals work alongside teachers, administrators, staff and families to provide multi-tiered systems of support including individualized coaching, collaboration and intervention for students in transitional kindergarten through grade 12.
Research shows that learning is impacted by many factors including students’ health, environment, cognitive abilities and previous experiences,” said Cory Heitsch, assistant superintendent of early childhood and elementary education. “Expanded educational teams are working with classroom teachers and families to increase resources and design individualized support programs that best fit the academic and social-emotional needs of each student.”
Building connections
“It’s important to build connections in school,” said Jessica Book, Stoney Creek High School teacher and interventionist. “Experience has shown and experts agree that students who are more connected to school are more motivated and more likely to find academic and personal success,” Book said. “This goes beyond grades. We may help students complete club applications that suit their interests. We may suggest service organizations or volunteer opportunities that build peer relationships and give a sense of gratification in helping others. These activities outside the classroom can build self-esteem and self-reliance which are important to overall satisfaction and success.
“It’s not enough for students to simply show up each day. We want school to be meaningful and engaging. We want each student to know that we care about them; we want them to be here. We help them make concrete connections between their school work and life goals.”
Supporting growth in learning and well-being
Academic resource centers in RCS middle schools and high schools provide a smaller learning community for students who want some one-to-one support. This benefit is available to all students, whether they need temporary, drop-in, situational help or more permanent, scheduled support.
Students may visit resource centers to catch up on homework after an absence, utilize tutoring on a difficult assignment, work with a paraeducator on time management, access testing accommodations to ease stress, have a regularly scheduled hour for academic support, and a range of other individualized services.
“Our middle schools are busy, dynamic places,” said Jennifer Windeler, West Middle School interventionist. “Some students just need a quiet spot between challenging classes to regroup. We provide that.”
Working closely with learning consultants, counselors and classroom teachers, Windeler and other district professionals advocate for specialized student needs. “We help students so they can access resources and close learning gaps. We review their schedules, check homework, ease stress, build life skills and most importantly, make sure that each individual is seen, heard and cared for.”
Counseling teams nurture potential
During these foundational TK-12 learning years, school counselors have a positive impact on students by collaborating with school staff, families and the community to create safe and respectful learning environments. RCS counselors enhance student learning through academic, career and social-emotional development.
“Hiring additional school counselors helps lighten caseloads, increasing the level of direct service that can be provided to students, including personalized guidance, academic planning, need-based counseling and crisis intervention,” said Neil DeLuca, executive director of secondary education.
Early interventions maximize success
By recognizing struggles and personalizing learning before a child falls behind, school teams help fill gaps to ensure that students are progressing and developing. This begins early in elementary school where educators help coordinate interventions to support core instruction and well-being.
“Even a little support can produce big gains in giving students the boost they need,” said Robert Zajac, teacher at McGregor Elementary. Zajac also directs a summer literacy and math camp, which served 140 students last summer in a flexible, small-group, hands-on learning environment.
“Sometimes we just need to help students remove old mental blocks so they can move to something more positive,” he said. “With additional time and resources, we are better able to provide individual attention to each student as needed.”
Achievement assessments and data inform instruction
The Rochester Community School District’s mission is to provide a quality education in a caring atmosphere for students to obtain the necessary skills and knowledge to become lifelong learners and contribute to a diverse, interdependent and changing world.
To ensure success, RCS uses the Michigan Integrated Continuous Improvement Process (MICIP), which the Michigan Department of Education describes as “a pathway for districts to improve student outcomes by assessing whole-child needs to develop plans and coordinate funding.”
MICIP begins with identifying an area in need of improvement, such as an achievement gap or the need for social-emotional support, and then proceeds with developing a challenge statement to focus on the concern.
A team of highly qualified district professionals responds to the challenge statement by creating a plan that consists of specific, measurable, attainable, relevant and timely goals to solve the issue; strategies that include evidence-based instructional approaches and/or interventions; and activities, such as professional learning, resource allocation and monitoring tools.
MICIP guides districts in the use of data to inform instruction. There are four types of data outlined in this process: achievement, perception, demographic, and process data.
Achievement data focuses on measuring student learning and assessment and can include standardized test scores, nationally normed assessments, classroom-based rubrics and college-ready assessments.
Perception data centers around attitudes and beliefs. This dataset addresses student climate within the school district, to include perceptions about academic standards, connections to the school and feelings about a variety of school experiences.
Demographic data provides information about the characteristics of the student population that can impact learning, such as economic status, disabilities, ethnic background and attendance.
Process Data can include policies and procedures, as well as parent and caregiver participation and professional learning plans.
“The process is fluid. Students, staff and families can change from year-to-year. We are also intentional about the need to continuously align methods, techniques and delivery of content with current best practices. As a district, MICIP serves as a guide so we can make the necessary adjustments to meet the needs of all our students,” said Cory Heitsch, assistant superintendent of early childhood and elementary education.
Leveraging MICIP, RCS teachers use both formative and summative assessments to determine where students are in their learning journey and tailor instruction to meet their needs.
Formative assessments are practices that allow teachers to gather information from classroom activities, so they can adjust their instructional strategies to meet the individual needs of the students. The feedback from a formative assessment is specific and immediate, allowing teachers to confer with learning consultants, interventionists and coaches and quickly adjust the method or approach of learning to meet the needs of the student.
Summative assessments evaluate student achievement against a benchmark, such as with tests, projects and essays. They can illuminate areas of strength, along with gaps in curriculum and instruction, particularly within student subgroups.
Mandated assessments: how RCS aligns with state standards
The state provides mandated testing to inform schools and districts about student performance and help detect the need for improvements in the level or rate of student achievement. Mandated testing includes the Michigan Student Test of Educational Progress (M-STEP), i-Ready or comparable testing platform, and the College Board Scholastic Aptitude Test® (SAT) suite of assessments.
At RCS, mandated tests are part of a balanced approach that contribute to a student’s learning profile. They are used with other forms of assessments to ensure continuous improvement, such as the District Literacy Profile, Bridges Unit Assessments for math, checkpoints, observations and monitoring activity to inform instruction.
To measure student achievement using the Michigan academic standards, the M-STEP English language arts (ELA) and mathematics assessments are administered to students in grades 3-7. The science and social studies assessments are administered in grades 5, 8 and 11.
M-STEP identifies areas of strength, as well as areas where additional supports are needed to meet grade-level standards. However, it’s important to note that individual student reports for M-STEP are not used to make day-to-day program and placement decisions or determinations about continuous improvement goals. Teachers will continue to teach content standards, rather than teaching to the test.
M-STEP results. The spring 2023 summative M-STEP results indicated that RCS ranked as a top five school district in Oakland County. In both ELA and math assessments, RCS students outperformed the state average by 25 percent and the county average by 16 percent.
“RCS is the largest school district in Oakland County, yet we receive some of the lowest per-pupil funding from the state. The level at which our students perform is a credit to our highly skilled teachers, administrators and staff, along with our family and community partners. We truly are grateful for their support,” said Heitsch.
The i-Ready diagnostic assessment is administered three times a year to all RCS kindergarten-through-grade-8 students. Similar to M-STEP, i-Ready serves as an indicator of grade-level proficiency in the areas of reading and math, while focusing on growth and performance relative to historical national norms. Data categories also consider English/multi-language learners, students with disabilities, student who are economically disadvantaged, and students who are of an identified race.
A key advantage of the i-Ready assessment is that teachers have the ability to progress-monitor the impact of their instructional strategies due to the multiple administrations within a school year.
i-Ready results. For the 2022-23 school year, RCS scores fell within the high-performance and high-growth quadrants, with room for continued improvement.
“We are always in the continuous improvement mode,” said John Silveri, interim superintendent. “Throughout the district, our dedicated staff members work tirelessly to ensure students are consistently engaged in high-level activities that stimulate their learning. They are also passionate about enhancing the overall student experience, which includes a feeling of belonging.”
The SAT is administered to all students in 11th grade throughout the state of Michigan in the spring. The SAT suite of assessments includes the Preliminary SAT (PSAT 8/9) for students in grades 8 and 9; the PSAT 10 for students in 10th grade; and PSAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (NMSQT), which is offered to all 11th graders in the fall.
SAT results. The Rochester Community School District’s SAT scores have increased from 2022 to 2023 in all areas, to include the mean SAT composite, math and evidence-based reading and writing sub-scores.
“This is a remarkable achievement for our schools and demonstrates the dedication and hard work of our students, educators and community partners. Every high school within our district has seen an improvement in their total mean scores,” said Neil DeLuca, executive director of secondary education.
Caring for the whole child.
Current curriculum provides wellness programs to assist students in making independent, informed decisions concerning their physical, mental, and emotional well-being. This year RCS added new counselor positions at each of its four middles schools and three high schools, and hired additional behavioral interventionists to support its 13 elementary schools. These professionals join the district’s highly skilled educational teams who work with community stakeholders to meet the social-emotional wellness needs of all RCS students.
“Different students have different needs. What truly sets RCS apart is our team of caring professionals who build strong connections with our students, families and community partners. These trusted relationships and meaningful conversations play an important role in our students’ overall well-being, as well as our ability to ensure continual growth and development so all students can reach their full potential,” said Debi Fragomeni, deputy superintendent for teaching and learning.
Informed instruction ensures plans and strategies are in place for all students, including those with disabilities. The continuum of instruction begins with education in a general classroom and adjusts as needed to include co-teaching, team teaching, the addition of a resource program, and finally categorical classroom instruction.
“Assessment-based, responsive teaching is inclusive of our entire community. We constantly review the data and align our interventions and multi-tiered systems of support to meet the needs of the student. Monitoring and evaluating progress remains a continual process,” said Concetta Lewis, assistant superintendent of special populations.
RCS remains proud of student academic achievement and strives for continuous improvement.
The MICIP district improvement team continues to evaluate data and processes, implement appropriate instructional best practices, monitor current systems in place, and make necessary adjustments based on the needs of the whole child.
“At Rochester Community Schools, we believe that each and every student can learn at the highest levels,” said Silveri. “We are passionate about providing our students with the tools to be successful, not only while they are enrolled in our schools, but also when they graduate to pursue their life’s work.”
School funding basics - frequently asked questions
With modest state funding and the fourth lowest school tax rate in the county, Rochester Community Schools maximizes opportunities to ensure students excel at the highest levels.
It is widely recognized that great schools are the bedrock of a great community, but did you know that public schools in Michigan are not funded equally?
The following information highlights some school funding basics.
How are schools funded?
Before 1994, local property taxes funded local schools; but that created challenges. People were concerned about high property taxes, and there were funding gaps between school districts across the state.
In 1994, legislation was placed on the ballot, called Proposal A. Michigan voters approved it, and school funding in Michigan changed dramatically.
After Proposal A, local homeowners’ property taxes no longer funded local schools. Instead, a statewide education tax of 6 mills on all property was established. Other sources like state sales and income tax, lottery revenue, tobacco and use taxes contribute to school funding.
Districts began receiving a per-pupil payment from the state, called the foundation allowance. This enabled the lowest funded schools in the state to receive a basic level of funding, which helped narrow the funding gap between school districts.
How does the state allocate funds to school districts?
Public schools in Michigan are funded on a per-pupil basis using the pupil blend count, also known as the State Aid Membership. Each district counts the number of students twice during a school year, once in October and once in February.
The pupil blend count is generally calculated by adding 90% of the current student full-time equivalence from the October count to 10% of the previous February’s FTE count. Different proportional weights have been applied over time. For example, the most recently signed state school aid budget included a two-year average for fiscal year 2022-23 and 2023-24 for schools with declining enrollment.
The state decides the amount of foundation allowance for each school district and multiplies that number by the number of fully qualified students in the district.
The foundation allowance has two components: state aid and local non-homestead property taxes. The state calculates their portion of the foundation allowance as if the district is collecting 18 mills, whether it actually does or not. If the voters do not approve the 18 mills levy, the district does not receive the full foundation allowance.
Here’s how the estimated FY2023-24 foundation allowance for RCS currently compares with some other districts in Oakland County. The numbers indicate that the Rochester Community Schools foundation allowance is quite modest. When considering the district with the highest foundation allowance and the approximate number of students in the Rochester Community School District, the difference totals more than $57.5 million.
RCS plans a budget for every fiscal year that is sustainable, promotes growth, minimizes impact on student programs, is team-based, open and transparent, and supports the district’s strategic plan. While the foundation allowance is the major source of funding for RCS, the district also gets a small amount of federal funding.
Inter-district funding comes from the County Act 18 special education tax. This revenue includes the renewable 18-mill non-homestead property tax, tuition from special programs, dues and fees, community services like preschool, and other miscellaneous sources.
With taxpayer approval, districts can also tax local homestead property to fund construction, technology and purchase of land.
How does the district spend its funds?
The general fund is the primary operating fund for the district and accounts for everything it takes to teach a child in a classroom, such as teachers, paraeducators, ancillary staff, administrators, bus drivers, custodians, and grounds and maintenance staff.
Rochester Community Schools budgets in four main areas: instruction; support services; community service; debt service and capital outlay. Instruction (60%) includes salaries for teachers to educate our students. Support services (38%) includes counselors, speech therapists, psychologists, social workers, athletics, transportation, operations and maintenance, and administration. Community service (<2%) includes recreation and enrichment programs and school-age care. Debt service and capital outlay (<1%) includes copiers, furniture and equipment.
Most of what school districts spend their funds on is salaries and benefits. For teachers and support staff, that makes up 82% of the total RCS budget.
“Our ability to accomplish the goals set by the strategic plan can be credited to our outstanding teachers, administrators and staff who partner with our families and community members to promote student success,” said McDaniel.
How can schools increase funds beyond what is allocated by state and federal sources?
Building and site bonds and a sinking fund provide an opportunity for schools to increase funds beyond what is allocated by state and federal sources.
Since the majority of school operating funds are spent on salaries and benefits, RCS has historically used the general fund and/or bond proceeds to protect its investment in facilities.
In 2019, voters approved a zero-tax increase sinking fund as a sustainable means to support critical facility and infrastructure needs with no borrowing or incurred interest involved. The sinking fund also keeps tax dollars local – every dollar of the sinking fund benefits every student and every school in the district.
How do the RCS bond and sinking fund tax rates align with other districts in the county?
Rochester Community Schools continues to provide the highest quality education in safe, modern facilities with a modest tax increase. According to the Stifel public finance report for 2022, Rochester Community Schools has the fourth lowest school tax rate in the county.
How does Rochester Community Schools perform at such a high level with a modest foundation allowance and bond and sinking fund tax rates?
RCS carefully monitors the budget to make sure expenditures align with available resources. The district also maintains an adequate fund balance to make sure it has enough money to continue operations in case of surprise expenses or state revenue shortfalls. This is especially important since school districts do not receive the first payment of the year from the state until October, after school has already started.
“Maintaining fiscal stewardship is critically important to our mission. The district’s budget includes a balanced and equitable spending plan that is sustainable, promotes growth, and ensures high quality student programming,” said Matthew McDaniel, assistant superintendent for business operations.
The district also credits its outstanding teachers, administrators and staff who partner with parents and caregivers to inspire excellence.
“The high level of achievement within our district reflects the hard work, dedication, and tenacity of our students, along with the collaborative efforts of our community,” said Debi Fragomeni, deputy superintendent for teaching and learning. “Whether our graduates are pursuing their post-secondary education, the arts, athletics, the military, or industry apprenticeships, we are confident they have the tools to succeed,” said Fragomeni.
“It is with sincere gratitude that we thank our district colleagues, the Board of Education, and our community members for their continued partnership and support.”
Enrollment registration is available online
New to RCS? Don't delay, register now!
Online enrollment is open for all new students from transitional kindergarten through grade 12.
Career readiness is a kindergarten through grade-12 journey at Rochester Community Schools. Beginning early in their education, students are introduced to a variety of vocations, industries, specialties and pathways to prepare for lifelong personal success.
In collaboration with educators and community partners, career-readiness counseling teams help RCS students learn about linking their personal values and skills to career aspirations.
From the very start, students get familiar with a K-12 college- and career-readiness software program that adapts as students develop, helping them explore options, build self-knowledge, inspire passions, create plans and reassess their interests.
“Career development takes time and intention,” said Debi Fragomeni, deputy superintendent for teaching and learning. “RCS students have a strong foundation that builds on rigorous literacy and math standards, which are essential components of success. Additionally, our educators use multi-tiered support strategies to ensure students are well-prepared beyond their K-12 years.”
The district helps guide and inform students so they can make wise choices for their future, whether that includes college, apprenticeship, military service, entrepreneurship, trades, or other pathways toward adulthood and independence.
Further building on career competencies in middle school, students have opportunities to explore many areas of interest. For example, students in grades 6-8 experience the STEMi mobile lab, financial literacy with the Junior Achievement Finance Park, community learning in partnership with the Rochester Downtown Development Authority, virtual field trips and meetings with guest speakers, nonprofit connections through charitable activities, Challenge Island engineering and design competitions, and more.
“At the high school level, career connections are embedded in curriculum areas,” said Karen Malsbury, director of career readiness, career and technical education and career-focused education. “For those who want more specialized training, CTE and CFE offerings prepare students for high-wage, high-skill and high-demand careers that don’t always require a college degree.”
In addition to its core curriculum classes, the district offers 11 state-approved CTE programs, five CTE credentials and nine CTE student organizations. Through classroom instruction, laboratory learning, work-based learning and student leadership, students acquire skills and knowledge that prepare them for successful careers and continuing education.
RCS earns music education designation
Rochester Community Schools has again been honored with the Best Communities for Music Education designation from The NAMM Foundation for its outstanding commitment to music education. For the 8th consecutive year, RCS has been honored with the Best Communities for Music Education designation. This award recognizes districts that demonstrate outstanding achievement in efforts to provide music access and education to all students. RCS is one of only 16 districts in Michigan to be honored. Rochester Community Schools earned this honor in 2014, then yearly since 2016.
To qualify for the Best Communities designation, we answered detailed questions regarding funding, graduation requirements, music class participation, instruction time, facilities, support for the music program and community music-making programs. Responses were reviewed by The Music Research Institute at the University of Kansas.
The award program recognizes outstanding efforts by teachers, administrators, parents, students and community leaders who have made music education part of a well-rounded education. Designations are made to districts and schools that demonstrate an exceptionally high commitment and access to music education.
Adult education class information
Rochester Community Schools offers learning opportunities for people of all ages. Adult education programs may provide individuals with language proficiency, pathways for new careers, mastery of academic skills, and personal growth and satisfaction.
English As a Second Language (ESL) classes are provided for all learning levels, from beginner to advanced conversation. In-person classes are held in the morning and evening, two times per week, in Rochester Hills. Enrollment is happening now and students are encouraged to register for quick admittance.
Adults who wish to earn their high-school diploma or complete GED skills classes can begin now. In-person and online, afternoon and evening, classes are available two times per week. Discounted GED exams and waiving of the registration fee, are available if you qualify.
By advancing their educational achievement, adult students may find that learning more helps them earn more in the workforce. Others are simply interested in building personal skills to improve their quality of life.
Flexible programs are designed to meet the needs of busy adults who may have multiple roles and responsibilities.
Interested individuals may call 248-726-5950 to register. For more information on available classes and schedules, visit the Adult Education homepage.
Childcare enrollment open to nonresidents
Childcare enrollment open to nonresidents! Now enrolling curious, young learners! The RCS Caring Steps Children's Center provides outstanding infant/toddler care and year-round preschool programs. Our loving staff will serve your needs in a beautiful, spacious Oakland Township facility, specially designed for kids. Enrollment is open to neighboring communities. RCS residency is not required. For further information, please Talk to RCS.
![Orchestra event 2025, students playing instruments]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1745345862/rochesterk12mius/hf9snvt6qflvfv9aiphx/aaDSC06360.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1745345862/rochesterk12mius/hf9snvt6qflvfv9aiphx/aaDSC06360.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1745345862/rochesterk12mius/hf9snvt6qflvfv9aiphx/aaDSC06360.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1745345862/rochesterk12mius/hf9snvt6qflvfv9aiphx/aaDSC06360.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1745345862/rochesterk12mius/hf9snvt6qflvfv9aiphx/aaDSC06360.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1745345862/rochesterk12mius/hf9snvt6qflvfv9aiphx/aaDSC06360.jpg","width":2200}])
![Art Show 2025 jpeg]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1745272084/rochesterk12mius/v1ntug18werfvxj13dni/RCSArtShowflyercropped_1.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1745272084/rochesterk12mius/v1ntug18werfvxj13dni/RCSArtShowflyercropped_1.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1745272084/rochesterk12mius/v1ntug18werfvxj13dni/RCSArtShowflyercropped_1.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1745272084/rochesterk12mius/v1ntug18werfvxj13dni/RCSArtShowflyercropped_1.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1745272084/rochesterk12mius/v1ntug18werfvxj13dni/RCSArtShowflyercropped_1.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1745272084/rochesterk12mius/v1ntug18werfvxj13dni/RCSArtShowflyercropped_1.jpg","width":2200}])
![Pre-K student and teacher at table]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1745248386/rochesterk12mius/odqzszhgncwisllrhext/aaprekaDSC09259.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1745248386/rochesterk12mius/odqzszhgncwisllrhext/aaprekaDSC09259.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1745248386/rochesterk12mius/odqzszhgncwisllrhext/aaprekaDSC09259.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1745248386/rochesterk12mius/odqzszhgncwisllrhext/aaprekaDSC09259.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1745248386/rochesterk12mius/odqzszhgncwisllrhext/aaprekaDSC09259.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1745248386/rochesterk12mius/odqzszhgncwisllrhext/aaprekaDSC09259.jpg","width":2200}])
![two lower elementary students reading on a couch]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1745264187/rochesterk12mius/ttksdnv1wajrugufotlr/asstructuredliteracyDSC06849.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1745264187/rochesterk12mius/ttksdnv1wajrugufotlr/asstructuredliteracyDSC06849.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1745264187/rochesterk12mius/ttksdnv1wajrugufotlr/asstructuredliteracyDSC06849.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1745264187/rochesterk12mius/ttksdnv1wajrugufotlr/asstructuredliteracyDSC06849.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1745264187/rochesterk12mius/ttksdnv1wajrugufotlr/asstructuredliteracyDSC06849.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1745264187/rochesterk12mius/ttksdnv1wajrugufotlr/asstructuredliteracyDSC06849.jpg","width":2200}])
![Male teacher and 2 students standing in classroom]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1745262277/rochesterk12mius/airxlyntevdkfpejjqb1/aaparentsquareaDSC03816.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1745262277/rochesterk12mius/airxlyntevdkfpejjqb1/aaparentsquareaDSC03816.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1745262277/rochesterk12mius/airxlyntevdkfpejjqb1/aaparentsquareaDSC03816.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1745262277/rochesterk12mius/airxlyntevdkfpejjqb1/aaparentsquareaDSC03816.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1745262277/rochesterk12mius/airxlyntevdkfpejjqb1/aaparentsquareaDSC03816.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1745262277/rochesterk12mius/airxlyntevdkfpejjqb1/aaparentsquareaDSC03816.jpg","width":2200}])
![Charity Week 2025]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1745259378/rochesterk12mius/sfzslpzh2hxgd9vch8du/CharityWeek2025cropped.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1745259378/rochesterk12mius/sfzslpzh2hxgd9vch8du/CharityWeek2025cropped.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1745259378/rochesterk12mius/sfzslpzh2hxgd9vch8du/CharityWeek2025cropped.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1745259378/rochesterk12mius/sfzslpzh2hxgd9vch8du/CharityWeek2025cropped.png","width":1079}])
![Supporting growth and achievement through master property planning, student in lab]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1740436475/rochesterk12mius/ftglh2rbzc4vbfjkyxgo/aamasterpropertyplanning731roboticscybercatsIMG_6866.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1740436475/rochesterk12mius/ftglh2rbzc4vbfjkyxgo/aamasterpropertyplanning731roboticscybercatsIMG_6866.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1740436475/rochesterk12mius/ftglh2rbzc4vbfjkyxgo/aamasterpropertyplanning731roboticscybercatsIMG_6866.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1740436475/rochesterk12mius/ftglh2rbzc4vbfjkyxgo/aamasterpropertyplanning731roboticscybercatsIMG_6866.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1740436475/rochesterk12mius/ftglh2rbzc4vbfjkyxgo/aamasterpropertyplanning731roboticscybercatsIMG_6866.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1740436475/rochesterk12mius/ftglh2rbzc4vbfjkyxgo/aamasterpropertyplanning731roboticscybercatsIMG_6866.jpg","width":2200}])
![Lean. Lead. Inspire. Making connections through joyful learning. Teacher with two students]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1740435261/rochesterk12mius/jsrr3tf3bdabvnaesyr0/aajoyfullearningDSC07250.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1740435261/rochesterk12mius/jsrr3tf3bdabvnaesyr0/aajoyfullearningDSC07250.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1740435261/rochesterk12mius/jsrr3tf3bdabvnaesyr0/aajoyfullearningDSC07250.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1740435261/rochesterk12mius/jsrr3tf3bdabvnaesyr0/aajoyfullearningDSC07250.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1740435261/rochesterk12mius/jsrr3tf3bdabvnaesyr0/aajoyfullearningDSC07250.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1740435261/rochesterk12mius/jsrr3tf3bdabvnaesyr0/aajoyfullearningDSC07250.jpg","width":2200}])
![2025-26 Calendar highlights]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1734644116/rochesterk12mius/swg9m0jm46faozn9ie6z/2025-26calendarhighlights-2.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1734644116/rochesterk12mius/swg9m0jm46faozn9ie6z/2025-26calendarhighlights-2.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1734644116/rochesterk12mius/swg9m0jm46faozn9ie6z/2025-26calendarhighlights-2.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1734644116/rochesterk12mius/swg9m0jm46faozn9ie6z/2025-26calendarhighlights-2.png","width":1076}])
![Math teacher and student writing on the white board]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1731089018/rochesterk12mius/oqwcmag5nb1xtxvhjkjq/mathhsDSC01691.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1731089018/rochesterk12mius/oqwcmag5nb1xtxvhjkjq/mathhsDSC01691.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1731089018/rochesterk12mius/oqwcmag5nb1xtxvhjkjq/mathhsDSC01691.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1731089018/rochesterk12mius/oqwcmag5nb1xtxvhjkjq/mathhsDSC01691.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1731089018/rochesterk12mius/oqwcmag5nb1xtxvhjkjq/mathhsDSC01691.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1731089018/rochesterk12mius/oqwcmag5nb1xtxvhjkjq/mathhsDSC01691.jpg","width":2200}])
![Student doing wood working.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1731098017/rochesterk12mius/vq7nskr8cswoyrilfhpc/cteDSC07415.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1731098017/rochesterk12mius/vq7nskr8cswoyrilfhpc/cteDSC07415.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1731098017/rochesterk12mius/vq7nskr8cswoyrilfhpc/cteDSC07415.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1731098017/rochesterk12mius/vq7nskr8cswoyrilfhpc/cteDSC07415.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1731098017/rochesterk12mius/vq7nskr8cswoyrilfhpc/cteDSC07415.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1731098017/rochesterk12mius/vq7nskr8cswoyrilfhpc/cteDSC07415.jpg","width":2200}])
![Deputy with student]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1731088305/rochesterk12mius/hdsap05jhk7mmblsvty6/safetyIMG_4518.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1731088305/rochesterk12mius/hdsap05jhk7mmblsvty6/safetyIMG_4518.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1731088305/rochesterk12mius/hdsap05jhk7mmblsvty6/safetyIMG_4518.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1731088305/rochesterk12mius/hdsap05jhk7mmblsvty6/safetyIMG_4518.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1731088305/rochesterk12mius/hdsap05jhk7mmblsvty6/safetyIMG_4518.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1731088305/rochesterk12mius/hdsap05jhk7mmblsvty6/safetyIMG_4518.jpg","width":2200}])
![Medical career students]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1729606098/rochesterk12mius/iquc5nysitpd7b1bbvbo/medcareersaDSC01826.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1729606098/rochesterk12mius/iquc5nysitpd7b1bbvbo/medcareersaDSC01826.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1729606098/rochesterk12mius/iquc5nysitpd7b1bbvbo/medcareersaDSC01826.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1729606098/rochesterk12mius/iquc5nysitpd7b1bbvbo/medcareersaDSC01826.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1729606098/rochesterk12mius/iquc5nysitpd7b1bbvbo/medcareersaDSC01826.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1729606098/rochesterk12mius/iquc5nysitpd7b1bbvbo/medcareersaDSC01826.jpg","width":2200}])
![Teacher sitting at table with student, BOE invests in teachers]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1731085179/rochesterk12mius/treygyzg9lslqa6pvx3l/teachersaDSC07772kdg.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1731085179/rochesterk12mius/treygyzg9lslqa6pvx3l/teachersaDSC07772kdg.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1731085179/rochesterk12mius/treygyzg9lslqa6pvx3l/teachersaDSC07772kdg.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1731085179/rochesterk12mius/treygyzg9lslqa6pvx3l/teachersaDSC07772kdg.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1731085179/rochesterk12mius/treygyzg9lslqa6pvx3l/teachersaDSC07772kdg.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1731085179/rochesterk12mius/treygyzg9lslqa6pvx3l/teachersaDSC07772kdg.jpg","width":2200}])
![M. Buetel, E. Schroeck, N. Russo]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1725415017/rochesterk12mius/ufkdkc15r8wsnrp1om65/MichelleBueltelLizSchroeckNicholasRusso9-3-2024.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1725415017/rochesterk12mius/ufkdkc15r8wsnrp1om65/MichelleBueltelLizSchroeckNicholasRusso9-3-2024.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1725415017/rochesterk12mius/ufkdkc15r8wsnrp1om65/MichelleBueltelLizSchroeckNicholasRusso9-3-2024.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1725415017/rochesterk12mius/ufkdkc15r8wsnrp1om65/MichelleBueltelLizSchroeckNicholasRusso9-3-2024.png","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1725415017/rochesterk12mius/ufkdkc15r8wsnrp1om65/MichelleBueltelLizSchroeckNicholasRusso9-3-2024.png","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1725415017/rochesterk12mius/ufkdkc15r8wsnrp1om65/MichelleBueltelLizSchroeckNicholasRusso9-3-2024.png","width":2200}])
![Kelley Cusmano Michigan Teacher of the Year]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1715123689/rochesterk12mius/ixgskvd9m8q2gkr1ddjh/Cusmanowithstudentcouncil.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1715123689/rochesterk12mius/ixgskvd9m8q2gkr1ddjh/Cusmanowithstudentcouncil.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1715123689/rochesterk12mius/ixgskvd9m8q2gkr1ddjh/Cusmanowithstudentcouncil.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1715123689/rochesterk12mius/ixgskvd9m8q2gkr1ddjh/Cusmanowithstudentcouncil.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1715123689/rochesterk12mius/ixgskvd9m8q2gkr1ddjh/Cusmanowithstudentcouncil.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1715123689/rochesterk12mius/ixgskvd9m8q2gkr1ddjh/Cusmanowithstudentcouncil.jpg","width":2200}])
![The Gerstacker Fellows]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1731434948/rochesterk12mius/bj0awrfzrpkj9qywrwc0/GerstackerFellows.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1731434948/rochesterk12mius/bj0awrfzrpkj9qywrwc0/GerstackerFellows.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1731434948/rochesterk12mius/bj0awrfzrpkj9qywrwc0/GerstackerFellows.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1731434948/rochesterk12mius/bj0awrfzrpkj9qywrwc0/GerstackerFellows.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1731434948/rochesterk12mius/bj0awrfzrpkj9qywrwc0/GerstackerFellows.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1731434948/rochesterk12mius/bj0awrfzrpkj9qywrwc0/GerstackerFellows.jpg","width":2112}])
![Merit scholar 2025 winner shaking Mr. Russo's hand]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1731100401/rochesterk12mius/qu0u0e8eki2p5wcuhcih/meritDSC02476.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1731100401/rochesterk12mius/qu0u0e8eki2p5wcuhcih/meritDSC02476.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1731100401/rochesterk12mius/qu0u0e8eki2p5wcuhcih/meritDSC02476.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1731100401/rochesterk12mius/qu0u0e8eki2p5wcuhcih/meritDSC02476.jpg","width":1024}])
![Two students playing snare drums.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1731099892/rochesterk12mius/fffgtiek2ylrz3ypzsf6/musicDSC00322.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1731099892/rochesterk12mius/fffgtiek2ylrz3ypzsf6/musicDSC00322.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1731099892/rochesterk12mius/fffgtiek2ylrz3ypzsf6/musicDSC00322.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1731099892/rochesterk12mius/fffgtiek2ylrz3ypzsf6/musicDSC00322.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1731099892/rochesterk12mius/fffgtiek2ylrz3ypzsf6/musicDSC00322.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1731099892/rochesterk12mius/fffgtiek2ylrz3ypzsf6/musicDSC00322.jpg","width":2200}])
![Family of 4 at the 2024 Hometown Hustle]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1731099175/rochesterk12mius/lfezbq4fpjbgncokbj71/DSC00827-1.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1731099175/rochesterk12mius/lfezbq4fpjbgncokbj71/DSC00827-1.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1731099175/rochesterk12mius/lfezbq4fpjbgncokbj71/DSC00827-1.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1731099175/rochesterk12mius/lfezbq4fpjbgncokbj71/DSC00827-1.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1731099175/rochesterk12mius/lfezbq4fpjbgncokbj71/DSC00827-1.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1731099175/rochesterk12mius/lfezbq4fpjbgncokbj71/DSC00827-1.jpg","width":2200}])
![Teacher and 2 students in front of smart board]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1731088075/rochesterk12mius/gzs7c5l5idmhweiedazx/teachersDSC01455.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1731088075/rochesterk12mius/gzs7c5l5idmhweiedazx/teachersDSC01455.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1731088075/rochesterk12mius/gzs7c5l5idmhweiedazx/teachersDSC01455.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1731088075/rochesterk12mius/gzs7c5l5idmhweiedazx/teachersDSC01455.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1731088075/rochesterk12mius/gzs7c5l5idmhweiedazx/teachersDSC01455.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1731088075/rochesterk12mius/gzs7c5l5idmhweiedazx/teachersDSC01455.jpg","width":2200}])
![Charity Week 2024 check presentation to Humble Design]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1717611849/rochesterk12mius/zy3yxj0hbgopjlndvdeq/RCScheckpresentationtoHumbleDesign.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1717611849/rochesterk12mius/zy3yxj0hbgopjlndvdeq/RCScheckpresentationtoHumbleDesign.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1717611849/rochesterk12mius/zy3yxj0hbgopjlndvdeq/RCScheckpresentationtoHumbleDesign.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1717611849/rochesterk12mius/zy3yxj0hbgopjlndvdeq/RCScheckpresentationtoHumbleDesign.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1717611849/rochesterk12mius/zy3yxj0hbgopjlndvdeq/RCScheckpresentationtoHumbleDesign.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1717611849/rochesterk12mius/zy3yxj0hbgopjlndvdeq/RCScheckpresentationtoHumbleDesign.jpg","width":2200}])
![Nicholas Russo]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1713219733/rochesterk12mius/siftxqkqf0wpg4mcf1vm/SuperintendentNicholasRusso-1.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1713219733/rochesterk12mius/siftxqkqf0wpg4mcf1vm/SuperintendentNicholasRusso-1.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1713219733/rochesterk12mius/siftxqkqf0wpg4mcf1vm/SuperintendentNicholasRusso-1.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1713219733/rochesterk12mius/siftxqkqf0wpg4mcf1vm/SuperintendentNicholasRusso-1.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1713219733/rochesterk12mius/siftxqkqf0wpg4mcf1vm/SuperintendentNicholasRusso-1.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1713219733/rochesterk12mius/siftxqkqf0wpg4mcf1vm/SuperintendentNicholasRusso-1.jpg","width":2200}])
![Student in front of math calendar]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1710949485/rochesterk12mius/ovq0sbkcskpyjhu0c3we/aDSC04792.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1710949485/rochesterk12mius/ovq0sbkcskpyjhu0c3we/aDSC04792.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1710949485/rochesterk12mius/ovq0sbkcskpyjhu0c3we/aDSC04792.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1710949485/rochesterk12mius/ovq0sbkcskpyjhu0c3we/aDSC04792.jpg","width":1024}])
![millage proposal picture]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1709574546/rochesterk12mius/ymcb4jvzoh0byqlp7r6e/Pre-KDSC01061.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1709574546/rochesterk12mius/ymcb4jvzoh0byqlp7r6e/Pre-KDSC01061.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1709574546/rochesterk12mius/ymcb4jvzoh0byqlp7r6e/Pre-KDSC01061.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1709574546/rochesterk12mius/ymcb4jvzoh0byqlp7r6e/Pre-KDSC01061.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1709574546/rochesterk12mius/ymcb4jvzoh0byqlp7r6e/Pre-KDSC01061.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1709574546/rochesterk12mius/ymcb4jvzoh0byqlp7r6e/Pre-KDSC01061.jpg","width":2200}])
![Dual enrolled students]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1709053177/rochesterk12mius/cn0vasq961gaz4dq9hu8/dualenrolled.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1709053177/rochesterk12mius/cn0vasq961gaz4dq9hu8/dualenrolled.jpg","width":385}])
![Math reasoning photo]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1709051962/rochesterk12mius/mqguu7821b4zkmcuyz3f/Mathreasoning.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1709051962/rochesterk12mius/mqguu7821b4zkmcuyz3f/Mathreasoning.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1709051962/rochesterk12mius/mqguu7821b4zkmcuyz3f/Mathreasoning.jpg","width":572}])
![AP Capstone. RCS senior with perfect score]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1709052654/rochesterk12mius/rzykpvsanlje84ejutec/APCapstoneBull.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1709052654/rochesterk12mius/rzykpvsanlje84ejutec/APCapstoneBull.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1709052654/rochesterk12mius/rzykpvsanlje84ejutec/APCapstoneBull.jpg","width":609}])
![Kindergarten 2023]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1709134978/rochesterk12mius/bg1hdywshvpj1fx2oqr7/Kindergarten.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1709134978/rochesterk12mius/bg1hdywshvpj1fx2oqr7/Kindergarten.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1709134978/rochesterk12mius/bg1hdywshvpj1fx2oqr7/Kindergarten.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1709134978/rochesterk12mius/bg1hdywshvpj1fx2oqr7/Kindergarten.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1709134978/rochesterk12mius/bg1hdywshvpj1fx2oqr7/Kindergarten.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1709134978/rochesterk12mius/bg1hdywshvpj1fx2oqr7/Kindergarten.jpg","width":2200}])
![Free Pre-K 4 logo]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1700253763/rochesterk12mius/sgkg53iieeu9vuyrv4e4/FreePre-K4logo.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1700253763/rochesterk12mius/sgkg53iieeu9vuyrv4e4/FreePre-K4logo.jpg","width":326}])
![single boy]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1702674407/rochesterk12mius/uyl5ntphdmehbgh4s8xm/singleboy.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1702674407/rochesterk12mius/uyl5ntphdmehbgh4s8xm/singleboy.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1702674407/rochesterk12mius/uyl5ntphdmehbgh4s8xm/singleboy.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1702674407/rochesterk12mius/uyl5ntphdmehbgh4s8xm/singleboy.jpg","width":1024}])
![increased support services]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1700495935/rochesterk12mius/lkmrpxsnpb38unyyarbm/increasedsupportservices.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1700495935/rochesterk12mius/lkmrpxsnpb38unyyarbm/increasedsupportservices.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1700495935/rochesterk12mius/lkmrpxsnpb38unyyarbm/increasedsupportservices.jpg","width":614}])
![student achievement]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1700495126/rochesterk12mius/rjn629fp4h9diennwv03/studentachievement.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1700495126/rochesterk12mius/rjn629fp4h9diennwv03/studentachievement.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1700495126/rochesterk12mius/rjn629fp4h9diennwv03/studentachievement.jpg","width":644}])
![school funding]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1700496717/rochesterk12mius/v7ipzsy0inxz6pjwc6ww/schoolfunding.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1700496717/rochesterk12mius/v7ipzsy0inxz6pjwc6ww/schoolfunding.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1700496717/rochesterk12mius/v7ipzsy0inxz6pjwc6ww/schoolfunding.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1700496717/rochesterk12mius/v7ipzsy0inxz6pjwc6ww/schoolfunding.jpg","width":936}])
![Three students sitting at a table with teacher.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1657815609/rochesterk12mius/pqxnjyldvv68mpljksx5/DKBonnieJackson.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1657815609/rochesterk12mius/pqxnjyldvv68mpljksx5/DKBonnieJackson.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1657815609/rochesterk12mius/pqxnjyldvv68mpljksx5/DKBonnieJackson.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1657815609/rochesterk12mius/pqxnjyldvv68mpljksx5/DKBonnieJackson.jpg","width":1065}])
![Career readiness]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1731087199/rochesterk12mius/oqddllbqvyxiztbexhvb/cteDSC07663.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1731087199/rochesterk12mius/oqddllbqvyxiztbexhvb/cteDSC07663.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1731087199/rochesterk12mius/oqddllbqvyxiztbexhvb/cteDSC07663.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1731087199/rochesterk12mius/oqddllbqvyxiztbexhvb/cteDSC07663.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1731087199/rochesterk12mius/oqddllbqvyxiztbexhvb/cteDSC07663.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1731087199/rochesterk12mius/oqddllbqvyxiztbexhvb/cteDSC07663.jpg","width":2200}])
![2023 music education award]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1683123138/rochesterk12mius/v6hrqt3gdk5yymmefydd/BestMusic2023.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1683123138/rochesterk12mius/v6hrqt3gdk5yymmefydd/BestMusic2023.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1683123138/rochesterk12mius/v6hrqt3gdk5yymmefydd/BestMusic2023.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1683123138/rochesterk12mius/v6hrqt3gdk5yymmefydd/BestMusic2023.jpg","width":1200}])
![RACE graduates]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1700497683/rochesterk12mius/lx3oj3hru1knpjs6cd0z/DSC02595.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1700497683/rochesterk12mius/lx3oj3hru1knpjs6cd0z/DSC02595.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1700497683/rochesterk12mius/lx3oj3hru1knpjs6cd0z/DSC02595.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1700497683/rochesterk12mius/lx3oj3hru1knpjs6cd0z/DSC02595.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1700497683/rochesterk12mius/lx3oj3hru1knpjs6cd0z/DSC02595.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1700497683/rochesterk12mius/lx3oj3hru1knpjs6cd0z/DSC02595.jpg","width":2200}])
![Caring Steps teacher reads to children]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1708723414/rochesterk12mius/utuqpxosez3ncthl4b3r/CaringSteps_1.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1708723414/rochesterk12mius/utuqpxosez3ncthl4b3r/CaringSteps_1.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1708723414/rochesterk12mius/utuqpxosez3ncthl4b3r/CaringSteps_1.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1708723414/rochesterk12mius/utuqpxosez3ncthl4b3r/CaringSteps_1.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1708723414/rochesterk12mius/utuqpxosez3ncthl4b3r/CaringSteps_1.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1708723414/rochesterk12mius/utuqpxosez3ncthl4b3r/CaringSteps_1.jpg","width":2200}])