June 2, 2020

Dear Parents and Guardians:

Over the last two months, the introductions to these weekly communications have focused on the extended school closure, award announcements, and highlights from around the district.

Today’s email focuses on a different topic.

The Rocky River City School District’s (RRCSD) Board of Education, administration, and staff join other leaders from around the country in condemning the tragic and senseless death of George Floyd and social injustice.

Any act of discrimination or violence goes against the mission and beliefs of the RRCSD. We are committed to providing an education that teaches all students the significant importance of equity, diversity, inclusion, and social justice for all. As educators, we are in the unique position to plant the seeds of change that we want to see as we strive for a more just and inclusive world. Now, more than ever, we must come together as a school community, and focus on what we can do to make the necessary changes to combat social injustice.

In RRCSD, we partner with The Diversity Center of Northeast Ohio (DCNEO) to strengthen our commitment to provide an inclusive educational environment that is welcoming for all students, staff, and visitors, and to ensure that everyone is connected, respected and valued. Since 2013, the RRCSD has worked closely with the DCNEO providing workshops and professional development opportunities to eliminate bias, bigotry and racism. Training and education on these topics are given regularly to students, staff, teachers, administration and Board members--across the district community--because they are central to our mission.  We must accept each other regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, religion, ability, or socioeconomic status.

The DCNEO has resources available on its website for you to begin having dialogue with your children. RRCSD joins the DCNEO in recommending the LARA (Listen, Affirm, Respond, Ask) Dialogue Tool and Kitchen Table Conversation Guides available here.

Additionally, below are other resources recommended by the DCNEO:

• Empowering Young People in the Aftermath of Hate (Anti-Defamation League)
• George Floyd. Ahmaud Arbery. Breonna Taylor. What do we tell our children? (USA Today)
• Helping Students Make Sense of News Stories about Bias and Injustice (Anti-Defamation League)
• Talking to Kids About Discrimination (American Psychological Association)

These conversations will not be easy and we do not have all the answers. As a school community, we need to support each other and continue to show the compassion, empathy and humanity that everyone deserves. Our school district is just one part of the community and we will continue to do our part in building an environment that embraces and welcomes everyone.

Thank you for your continued support of the Rocky River City School District.

Sincerely,

Dr. Michael G. Shoaf

Superintendent

Rocky River City School District

Rev. Dr. Jon M. Fancher

President

Rocky River City School District Board of Education

Peggy Zone Fisher

President and CEO

The Diversity Center of Northeast Ohio

Here are today’s updates.

Online Learning

• Thursday, June 4, is the final day of the 2019-2020 school year.
• This week is being used for the completion of instruction, online meetings with students to provide additional academic support, completion of assignments, and to allow teachers a chance to plan fun virtual activities for their classes.

Materials Drop-off and Pick-up Information

• We will be providing students and families an opportunity to pick up items from their respective schools and also drop off any district-owned materials at the conclusion of the 2019-2020 school year.
• The district administrative team has worked closely with the Cuyahoga County Board of Health on these plans to implement measures and make this process safe and efficient for students, staff, and families.
• To view the complete schedule for drop-off and pick-up at each school, please click here.
• A reminder that Grades 2, 5, 7, and 11 will have their drop-off and pick-up date on Friday, June 5.
• If you have any questions regarding this process, please contact the building principal.

RRHS Commencement and Community Parade on Friday, June 5

• RRHS will host its virtual Commencement with a video on the district website on Friday, June 5, at 5:00pm. I had an opportunity to preview the video on Monday and am excited for students, parents/guardians, and the community to see it on Friday.
• The video will be archived on the district website.
• Following virtual Commencement, the Class of 2020 will take part in a parade around the community led by the Rocky River Police Department beginning at 7:00pm.
• The parade route can be viewed here.

Special Education Services

• Special education services for students will continue through the last day of school.
• Online service delivery aligned with each students' identified needs continues and will continue through the last day of school.
• Related services and therapies are also being provided via distance learning.
• If you have questions regarding assignments or workload please contact your child's case manager.

Kensington Staff Salute to the Class of 2020

• The Kensington Intermediate School staff put together a video as a Salute to the Class of 2020 using their own senior year photos.
• Have fun as you try to guess the KIS staff member in the video that can be viewed here.

Thank you Goldwood Teachers Video

• The Goldwood PTA, students and families put together a video to thank teachers and staff for their efforts during the extended school closure.
• You can view the thank you video here.

RRHS Drama Department Virtually Performs “Change It” for Class of 2020

• The RRHS Drama Department virtually performed “Change It” from its spring musical production of “9 to 5”.
• The video was created for the Class of 2020 as they prepare to take the next step in their lives and help change the world.
• You can view the virtual performance here.

Last Day of School Signs

• In advance of the last day of school on Thursday, June 4, the district has created Last Day of School signs for students in preschool through Grade 12.
• We encourage you to print out the sign and share your last day of school photos using the hashtag #RrSchoolsLastDay.
• To print out your Last Day of School sign, please click here.

RRHS and McKeon Counseling Summer Hours

• The Rocky River High School Counseling Department will once again offer summer hours this year for students in grades 9-12.
• In addition, the McKeon Education Group will offer summer hours for students in Grades K-12.
• For more information, dates of availability, and how to schedule appointments, please click here.