Rochester Community Schools Resume In-Person Learning

Rochester Community Schools Superintendent Dr. Robert Shaner provided the following announcement at the Rochester Regional Chamber Community Outlook event.

Students sit at desks in a classroom with laptops on the desk. Each student wears a face mask.

All Rochester Community School (RCS) District students enrolled in in-person learning have officially returned to our school buildings full time, five days a week. After such an unprecedented year for our community and our country, the joy, laughter, and learning that has reappeared in our classrooms is truly worthy of celebration.

Nothing about this pandemic has been routine, easy, or predictable for schools. We have had to re-imagine learning over the past year and explore unique opportunities to educate our students while keeping our community safe. Through innovative workplaces, procedures, and learning modalities, we are proud to have been able to uphold the Rochester Community Schools tradition of excellence.

This achievement did not come without great teamwork, collaboration, and sacrifice.

On behalf of the Board of Education, we would like to formally go on record and provide our heartfelt gratitude to our teachers, administrators, support staff, families, and community partners who stand united in support of our efforts. Thank you.

One year ago in February before the public health crisis, we began preparing for the year 2025 by having a community conversation about our district’s focus on the future. At that time we asked our students the question, “What does the future of education look like?” The overwhelming response included enhanced technology. Little did we realize at that juncture that a looming pandemic would confirm many of our students’ insights.

Our strategic plan, along with our community’s foresight to invest in our schools through the bond and sinking fund initiatives, ensured that our district had the resources available to quickly respond to the unique circumstances to meet the needs of all our students.

Over the past year, we were able to implement a one-to-one technology model across the district to ensure continuity of learning in any teaching and learning environment. This means that every one of our 15,000 RCS students has access to a personal electronic device.

Also, in recognizing that one size does not fit all, Rochester Community Schools introduced a virtual option for students that serves as an alternative to the traditional classroom setting.

The RCS Virtual Campus is the only online K-12 educational experience that includes the rigorous RCS curriculum taught by our renowned team of highly skilled, caring teachers and staff. Students enrolled in the RCS Virtual Campus have a comprehensive course load, but with increased scheduling flexibility. In addition to core curriculum, the full-learning experience also includes art, media, music and physical education.

At this time, we have nearly 2,900 students enrolled in the virtual campus, and we look forward to watching this program grow to meet the needs of all children.

Whether students are learning in a classroom or are online at a remote location, all RCS students can be afforded the opportunity to learn at the highest levels.

As we look beyond the pandemic, we are mindful of the healing work that will require our continued devotion. We remain committed to promoting social-emotional wellness, which directly aligns with our equity, inclusion and belonging priorities.

The innate love that we have for our students will guide our efforts.

By providing our young people with the skills and knowledge to succeed and inspiring within them the enthusiasm, curiosity and motivation to pursue their passion, there is nothing they can’t accomplish.

Thank you for joining us today. We appreciate your support to ensure the Rochester Community School pride in excellence continues.

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