Districtwide Committees

The Asthma and Allergy Parent Advisory Council identifies ways in which parents and guardians and school personnel can work together to help ensure student safety, and provide an optimum school experience for children who have allergies and asthma. For more information, contact School Nurse-Teacher Jeanne Schwasman at jschwasman@rhnet.org or 359-5213.

In 1995, the superintendent of schools formed the Budget Advisory Council, known then as the Budget Advisory Committee, to provide for greater community involvement in the development of the proposed year's budget. 

The Budget Advisory Council is comprised of a wide diversity of stakeholders in the Rush-Henrietta Central School District community, including administrators, parents, representatives from organizations in the school district, residents, staff, students, teachers, and Rush-Henrietta Central School District union representatives. In addition, the Board of Education; superintendent of schools; assistant superintendent of school finance and operations; and the senior budget technician are ex-officio members of the council.

The Budget Advisory Council holds several meetings each year. A chairperson, who reports to the superintendent, is appointed as the facilitator of the meetings. The Budget Advisory Council provides a forum for stakeholders and the superintendent to share ideas and understandings necessary for the successful development of a budget, which best represents the values of the Rush-Henrietta community. The Budget Advisory Council charge, outlined below, provides a guideline for the council to assist the superintendent in an advisory capacity to:

1. provide suggestions and recommendations to the superintendent regarding the base budget, budget proposals, and additions and deletions to the budget.
2. provide suggestions and recommendations to the superintendent regarding actions that can be taken to increase stakeholder involvement in the budget development process.
3. provide suggestions and recommendations to the superintendent regarding actions that can be taken to improve the budget communication plan.
4. critique the budget development process and recommend to the superintendent actions that can be taken to improve this process.

This cooperative effort assists the superintendent during budget development and offers the community stakeholders the opportunity to share in the assessment of this very important budget process. For more information, please contact the Budget Advisory Council District Liaison, Anthony Montoro III, Assistant Superintendent for School Finance and Operations, by calling (585) 359-5037.

The District Parent Advisory Council (DPAC) was formed in 1976 at the request of the Board of Education and superintendent. The purpose of the group is to give advice to the Board of Education and superintendent, to share information among school parent groups, and to promote two-way communication between the Rush-Henrietta Central School District and parents. The role of the District Parent Advisory Council is to:

A.   provide an opportunity for parents and parent groups recognized by the Board of Education—such as Parent-Teacher Organizations (PTO), RHMPA, Sports Booster,    MPAC, etc.—hereby referred to as "parent groups," to have an advisory voice in the administration of the school district.

B.   create a communications link among parent groups.

C.   create communication and understanding among parents and the school district.

To foster the ongoing continuous improvement of non-instructional services for the benefit of Rush-Henrietta Central School District children and staff, and to provide for the health and safety of the district's children on the way to and from school as well as during school hours. The team meets on the first Thursday of the month from September through June. If you are aware of a safety concern in our school district that needs addressing, please let us know by clicking here.

For more information about the District Safety Committee, click here. 

The Rush-Henrietta Central School District convenes a representative District Wellness Council that meets at least four times per year to establish goals for and oversee school health and safety plans and programs. Council membership represents all school levels (elementary and secondary schools) and includes, but is not limited to, school nurse teachers, the nurse practitioner, director of wellness and equity, food service director, health education teachers, physical education teachers, administrators, school board members, other allied health/community personnel, parents/guardians, and students. 
 

• The Equity and Inclusion Advisory Council brings together a diverse range of district and community stakeholders to collaborate on ways to promote equity, diversity, and inclusion in all areas throughout the district. The council's work focuses on addressing the following district priority:
  
  “Rush-Henrietta stands united against racism and discrimination of any kind. Recognizing the many types of diversity that exist within our school community, we are committed to strengthening interpersonal connections and family partnerships, and welcoming the voices and perspectives of all members of our community. We will accomplish this goal by focusing on inclusive practices throughout the organization to ensure equitable access and opportunities for all, including those requiring special education services."
  
  For additional information, contact Joe Jackson, director of wellness & equity, at (585) 359-5086. 
  
  The Equity and Inclusion Advisory Council meets from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., virtually, on the following dates:

  • October 3, 2024
  • January 22, 2025
  • April 30, 2025
  •  

  Facilitator:

  • Joe Jackson, Director of Wellness and Equity
     

  Advisory Council Members:

  • Mai Abdullah, Rush-Henrietta Board of Education
  • Michael Allen, Assistant Superintendent, Student and Family Services
  • Sady Alvarado-Fischer, Parent
  • Christine Angora
  • Celina Cohen-Knapp, Psychologist, Fyle Elementary School
  • Marlené Cortés, Parent
  • Michelle D'Ambrosio
  • Kim DeLardge, Rush-Henrietta Board of Education  
  • Rachel Fisken, Teacher, Rush-Henrietta Senior High School
  • Jennifer Gonzalez
  • Rob Hathaway, Assistant Principal, Fyle Elementary School
  • Brian Hill, Principal, Crane Elementary School
  • Omar Hussain, Principal, Roth Junior High School
  • Caroline Janofsky, Teacher, Fyle Elementary School
  • Steve Lovi, Parent/DPAC Representative
  • Melissa Luckey, Parent
  • Elizabeth Miller
  • Marcy Mooney, Principal, Fyle Elementary School
  • Yajaira Nguyen, Assistant Principal, Senior High School
  • Dave Patt, Coordinator, Special Education
  • Jamie Naple, Coordinator, Special Education  
  • Qianna Reaves-Campbell, Assistant Principal, Crane Elementary School
  • Kumba Sankoh, Teacher, Crane and Fyle Elementary Schools
  • Kaitlin Schneider, Library Media Specialist, Fyle Elementary School
  • Jamie Scripps, Teacher on Special Assignment
  • Allison Stephens, Assistant Principal, Burger Junior High School
  • Rosalie Sullivan, Director, Special Education
  • Diana Theodorou, School Counselor, Crane and Fyle Elementary Schools
  • Dilini Toussaint, Teacher, Leary Elementary School
  • Geraldo Torres, Director of Food Services
  • Charisma Travis, Parent
  • Donna Watts, Executive Director, Learning and Innovation
  • Marie Windover, Assistant Principal, Roth Junior High School

The Board of Education Finance and Audit Committee meets quarterly to discuss district financial processes and conditions with the district's external auditor, internal auditor and claims auditor.  Recommendations for financial process improvements and areas to be examined are made by this committee to ensure the district has proper controls and monitoring in place to protect the district's assets. Volunteers should have a financial background or experience. For more information, contact Anthony Montoro III, Assistant Superintendent of School Finance and School Operations, at amontoro@rhnet.org or 359-5037.

The Instructional Space Committee consists of interested parents, teachers, and administrators. Each year the committee compares the district's instructional space and its projected future student enrollment data. From this comparison grow recommendations for possible facilities changes necessary to meet future instructional needs. The committee typically meets three or four times during the year, beginning in the autumn and completing its work by early winter. Its recommendations are made to the superintendent and to the Board of Education to help them anticipate and plan contingencies to meet the district's future educational needs.

Dates for the Instructional Space Committee meetings for the 2025-2026 school year are to be determined. Meetings take place at the Parker Administration Building, 2034 Lehigh Station Road. Persons interested in serving on this important committee should call Dr. Casey van Harssel, assistant superintendent, at 359-5042 or e-mail cvanharssel@rhnet.org.

When parents maintain positive attitudes toward schools and attend school-related programs and activities on a regular basis, children experience greater success. The first step toward involvement in our schools is to participate in parent groups - the PTA and PTO at the elementary level and parent-group meetings at the secondary level. These groups provide opportunities for information sharing, volunteering, comments, questions and answers, and presentations regarding the delivery of a variety of programs and services aimed at helping parents support their child's education

The Multicultural Parent Advisory Council, formerly known as the Parker Parent Group, was formed in 1999. The parent group was named in honor of Dr. William Parker, who believed parent involvement plays a key role in student achievement. The Board of Education, the Superintendent of Schools and others within the Rush-Henrietta Central School District encouraged the Parker Parent Group to become a formal established group in the district. Out of this, the Multicultural Parent Advisory Council (MPAC) was formed. Everyone is invited to attend.

The Mission Statement for the Multicultural Parent Advisory Council
To advocate for our children within the Rush-Henrietta Central School District for opportunities that will empower, inform, promote high academic achievement, provide cultural and social enrichment, and instill leadership qualities.

Responsibilities of the Multicultural Parent Advisory Council
a.     Reach out and bring other families into the group.
b.     Encourage parents to be effectively involved in their children’s education.
c.     Create a communication network to keep parents informed.
d.     Attend meetings of the various teacher, parent, and Board of Education based groups in order to stay informed on issues that affect students and parents.
e.     Recognize our children at academic and social functions.
f.      Conduct monthly and group meetings to continuously address the group’s objectives.
g.     Maintain communication with the District Parent Advisory Council (DPAC), other parent groups, and the Board of Education.
h.     Share opinions and recommendations on current concerns and issues regarding our schools.
i.      Find ways to involve our children in community service.

Meeting Dates & Officers
MPAC meetings will be held virtually at 6:30 p.m., unless noted, on the following dates:

• Thursday, September 26, 2024
• Thursday, October 17, 2024
• Thursday, November 7, 2024 - In person at the Parker Administration Building, joint meeting with DPAC
• Thursday, January 30, 2025
• Thursday, March 20, 2025
• Thursday, May 8, 2025 - In person at the Parker Administration Building, joint meeting with DPAC  

MPAC Parent Leader/Liaison

• William Hall, Group Leader (314-0385 or via e-mail)
• Joe Jackson, District Liaison

Meetings are held virtually unless noted. Contact William Hall to be added to the meeting invitation.

The Rush-Henrietta Alumni Center was created to help facilitate communication between all Rush-Henrietta graduates, no matter which high school you attended. RHAC assists the district with alumni communication; guides and supports class reunions; coordinates the annual Alumni Hall of Fame recognition program; and informs and advises the superintendent and Board of Education on matters of interest to Rush-Henrietta alumni. The Alumni Council was established in 2006 to strengthen ties between the district and its graduates. RHAC, which was led for 15 years by the late Joe Bellanca '65, strives to reconnect graduates through communication and events. It also oversees the Rush-Henrietta Alumni Council Hall of Fame. For more information, contact the Office of Community Relations at tanderson@rhnet.org or hcampo@rhnet.org. 

R-H Music Parents is YOUR organization!

As the parent of a child who's ever participated in Music programming at Rush-Henrietta (which begins in Kindergarten), YOU are an R-H Music Parent!  The Rush-Henrietta Music Parents Association is a non-profit organization organized to support Music education within the Rush-Henrietta Central School District.  Every time you purchase concessions from us at a concert, buy R-H Music Spiritwear (see QR code in Gallery), or support any of our other fundraising efforts throughout the year, YOU are helping RHMPA fulfill it's misson. For this we are profoundly grateful. None of the following would be possible without your support!

As a parent-driven organization, R-H Music Parents Association: 

R-H Music Parents Association meets six times during the school year, from 6:30-7:30pm on Mondays (only 6 hours a year). Our location alternates between Vollmer and Sherman Elementary Schools (see below), to encourage our newest R-H Music program families to participate with our veteran Music Parents. Our meetings welcome regular representatives from the Board of Education, R-H Music staff, each school's PTO, and other district parent groups. Some of our meetings include performances by R-H Musicians!  ALL Music Parents are encouraged to attend.  Mark your calendars!

The meeting dates for the 2024-25 school year:

For more information about R-H Music Parents Association, contact us via email: rhmusicparentsassoc@gmail.com

2024-25 RHMPA Board Officers:

President:           Anna Markowitz  
Vice President:   Faith Han 
Treasurer:           Bao Nguyen
Secretary / DPAC Representative:   Karla L Smith

Follow us on Facebook for the latest "RHMPA" updates, as well as R-H Music happenings in and around our district!

The 2024 RHMPA promo video below created by Jeff Hamson, featuring original music by Rush-Henrietta's own Mr. Sean Joseph. Voiceover talent provided by WHEC Channel 10’s Emily Putnam.   

Rush-Henrietta Music Parents Association is sincerely grateful!

• Offers summer music grants for R-H students entering Grades 4-12
• Provides R-H Music Staff grants to assist with Music-related expenses
• Provides $500 for the Arts Alive scholarship, to assist a graduating senior pursuing higher education in Music or Arts
• Raises awareness of the budget process as it relates to Music programming 
• Provides student volunteer hours necessary for SHS NHS and Tri-M honor students (it's a win-win)
• Assists with annual District Music Festival 
• Advocates for the needs of Music students and staff across our district
• Sponsors an annual RHMPA Summer Music Scholarship Recital at the Senior HS Auditorium. This is an opportunity for the recipients of our summer Music grants to show off what they've learned. This year's RHMPA Recital will be held September 23rd at 7pm. It is FREE and open to ALL members of our R-H Music community!
• September 16, 2024 - Vollmer Library
• September 23, 2024 - Senior HS  Auditorium - RHMPA Summer Music Grant RECITAL!
• November 18, 2024 - Sherman Library  
• January 27, 2025 - Vollmer Music Room (C-4)
• March 10, 2025 - Sherman Music Room    
• April 28, 2025 - Vollmer Music Room (C-4) - Discussion includes upcoming 2025-26 Board Officer Election
• June 16, 2025 - Sherman Music Room - ELECTION of 2025-26 RHMPA Board Officers!
• #JoinUs!

The Sports Boosters Club meets once a month and is involved with scheduling and running the concession stands, coordinating events such as the All-Sports Kickoff in September and the Royal Comet Awards Ceremony in June; supporting team and club fundraisers; and ordering senior flowers. There are many opportunities to volunteer! If you have a desire to help, make new friends and lend a hand, then this is the place for you! We all work together and share our knowledge and experience to make a difference in our sporting community. For more information, contact the athletic department at 359-7808 or e-mail rhboosterclub@gmail.com for more information.

Purpose
The purpose of the R-H Sports Booster Club is to support the athletic program through fundraising activities.

Management of the Booster Club
The president and other elected officers — vice president, treasurer, secretary, and vice president of membership — shall carry out the management of the Rush-Henrietta Sports Booster Club. Term of office shall be for one year. Responsibilities are

• Funds will be raised by the Booster Club through permanent activities or special events and membership fees (membership fees will be reviewed and charged annually). The funds raised and any other funds received by the club shall be administered and controlled by the R-H Sports Booster Club.
  
  Membership of the Booster Club
  Membership in the R-H Sports Booster Club shall be open to adults eighteen (18) years of age and over who are not currently high school students. All active members of the club shall be qualified to vote, serve on committees, and hold office. Each sports team shall have one representative as a liaison between the sport and the club. Team representatives have the responsibility to attend the Sports Booster Club meeting and report on team needs and progress. Full membership information can be found in the link below.

  • to direct and manage the business and financial affairs of the organization.
  • to formulate the policies, rules, and regulations of the club to conform to the by-laws (see attached by-laws).
  • to authorize the expenditures of funds of the club in the manner provided by these by-laws.
  • to review any other matters arising from within or growing out of activities sponsored by the club.
     

• The Rush-Henrietta School Counseling Advisory Council is comprised of a range of stakeholders who meet twice yearly to review, advise on, and support implementation of the K-12 comprehensive school counseling program. This advisory council provides input into several areas of the counseling program including smart goals, counseling lessons, professional development topics, and assessment measures. The advisory council will present information annually to the Board of Education regarding program implementation, progress toward goals, and end-of-year student assessment data. 
  
  Facilitators:

  • Joe Jackson, Director of Wellness and Equity
  • Mike Neary, School Counselor, Burger Junior High
  • Tricia Prinzi, School Counselor, Roth Junior High School

  
  Record Keeper:

  • Jennifer Allen, School Counselor, Senior High School 
  • Barb Christensen, Community Member
  • Sharon Harris, District Nurse Practitioner
  • Brian Hill, Principal, Crane Elementary School  
  • Rozetta LaPlaca, School Counselor, Sherman Elementary School
  • Edna LeNeir, Community Member
  • Chelsea Maynard, Student
  • Paul Morgan, Student
  • Walter Moore, Assistant Principal, Senior High School 
  • Ken Nelson, Director of Facilities
  • Demetrius Rhodes, Community Member
  • K. Dina Stathopoulos, Principal, Leary Elementary School
  • Dr. Tom Stewart, Director of Physical Education and P.E.
  • Julie Sullivan, School Psychologist, Burger Junior High School
  • Geraldo Torres, Director of Food Service
  • Molly Wallace, School Counselor, Senior High School  
• • Jessica Kinsman, School Counselor, Senior High School

   

•  Meetings are conducted jointly with the District Wellness Council and are held from 3:30 - 4:30 p.m. at the Parker Administration Building. The meeting dates for the 2024 - 2025 school year will be shared soon.

  Advisory Council Members:

Shared Decision Making teams exist in all of our schools. These teams bring together representatives of teachers, staff, parents, administrators, and the R-H community to share viewpoints and to focus common efforts into shaping school decisions and practices that benefit our children.

The Rush-Henrietta Central School District welcomes the broad involvement of its stakeholders. Teachers, staff members, administrators, parents, and the entire community all play important roles in the success of our children, and share a commitment to helping them develop into responsible and productive citizens. The attached District Plan describes the process whereby the district ensures involvement of stakeholders, including parents and students, in site-based planning (sometimes referred to as "shared decision making").

School Improvement Teams exist in all of our schools. These teams bring together these various stakeholders to share viewpoints and to focus common efforts into shaping school goals, priorities and practices which benefit our children. The School Improvement Teams work with the principal to monitor the School Improvement Plan and to provide a forum for various stakeholder representatives to give input into the process of shaping the instructional program and ensuring a supportive school climate.

In addition, an ad hoc district Review Committee meets periodically to assess and adjust the site-based planning process, including a biennial review of the District Plan on behalf of the Board of Education. This district Review Committee includes representatives from DPAC, employee associations, students and administrators. It guides the site-based planning process and serves as a resource to the School Improvement Teams as we ensure stakeholder input into district goals, priorities and programs. Parents and community members are encouraged to participate in their School Improvement Team; anyone interested should contact their school principal.

If you have any questions about Rush-Henrietta’s site-based planning process or the District Plan, or would like to serve on the district Review Committee, contact Dr. Casey van Harssel, assistant superintendent for human resources and school accountability, at 359-5044 or cvanharssel@rhnet.org.

Universal Pre-K is a free 2.5-hour, five-day-a-week program funded by New York state that provides children with an opportunity to experience a developmentally-appropriate learning environment and make friends before they begin kindergarten. To learn more about the committee, contact Kimberly Klubek, Community Education Resource Specialist; kklubek@rhnet.org or 359-7914.