One of the most frequent things I hear from people is, “Boy, I wouldn’t want your job.” This usually comes on the heels of an issue that appears in the news or stirs up conversation on social media. And they’re right. There are certainly days that are challenging.

However, those forward-facing issues are only a small sliver of what I get to see every day across Rocky River Schools. Daily, I get to see students supported by caring staff and engaged in meaningful learning. I get to see students pursuing the things they are passionate about through the arts, athletics, robotics, student government, and countless other clubs and activities.

I also get to see families and community members regularly create experiences that bring our community together. Spooky Saturday and the Centennial Celebration at Kensington, the PTA Cookout and Snowflake Palace at Goldwood, Maroon and White Night at the middle school, and After Prom and Booster Bash at the high school are just a few examples. Each of these events creates meaningful experiences for students while strengthening the connections across our community.

Every week, parents help with team meals, volunteer at band events, serve food in concession stands, and contribute in hundreds of other small but meaningful ways. These acts of service may not always make the news, but they are a significant part of what makes our school community special.

We also regularly work alongside our city partners to identify ways we can strengthen our greater River community. Whether it is strategic planning with the Recreation Department, conversations about mobility across the city, or projects taking place throughout our schools and community, these partnerships add tremendous value for all of our residents.

So, why is all of this important?

Because these examples reinforce our shared culture.

Culture is the shared beliefs and values we hold and the actions we take to reinforce them. It is something that must be cultivated every day.

When we name our shared beliefs and values and allow them to guide our actions, we are better prepared to navigate the challenging days.

One of those challenges arose last week when an individual distributed hate speech fliers on our high school grounds. As shared in our initial response to the community, we will not give that message any additional amplification.

What we will amplify are the students who immediately reported what happened because they knew it was wrong. They stood up for our shared beliefs and for River. They reacted immediately, without hesitation. This is just one example of our young people recognizing a wrong and having the courage to do what is right.

What we will amplify is that all students and families are welcome in Rocky River City Schools. Our teachers, principals, support staff, and students work together every day to create a welcoming environment for all students. Whether through the Kindness Committee at the middle school or Student Council and the Principal Advisory Committee at the high school, our students have opportunities to share their experiences, identify areas for growth, and help shape our school culture.

That does not mean we are perfect. We will always have opportunities to learn, grow, and improve. What it does underscore is the strength of the core values that serve as a foundation across our school community.

Again, culture is everything.

Our Rr North Star project is another step in cultivating our school community’s shared culture and vision for the future of River. It is an opportunity to listen, learn, and come together around what we value most about our schools and community and what we want to carry forward.

When we intentionally reinforce this foundation, we are better equipped to weather the challenging days. Last week, our students and staff showed us exactly what that can look like.

There are certainly challenging days in schools, but there are far more days when we get to see the very best of Rocky River Schools. Those days reinforce the foundation that makes River so special. 

With Pirate Pride,

Adham

This week, as a school community, we have the opportunity to celebrate something truly unique – the centennial of Kensington Intermediate School.

In 1926, Kensington was built. To put that moment in perspective, life in America looked very different. Some of the largest areas of work in our country were manufacturing and mechanical trades, agriculture, transportation, and trade. The automobile was transforming how people traveled. Radio was beginning to connect families and communities in new ways, and television was still in its earliest stages. The world was also navigating the aftermath of World War I and entering a new era of growth, innovation, and change.

And here in Rocky River, something lasting was being built. 

One hundred years is an incredible milestone. It is a moment of great pride, but also an opportunity for deep reflection about who we are, where we have been, and where we are going as a school community.

While 100 years may feel like a long time ago, the foundational pieces of excellence that have been sparked across Rocky River have never changed. Generations of students have walked through the doors of Kensington to learn, grow, form friendships, discover who they are, and create memories that have stayed with them long after they left the building.

That is because a school is more than the bricks and mortar that hold it together. A school is a feeling.

It is a feeling of belonging, connection, and pride. It is the memory of a teacher who believed in you, a friend who made you laugh, a classroom where you discovered something new, or a moment when you realized you were capable of more than you thought.

That feeling is part of what has connected generations of Rocky River families for more than a century.

One of the most humbling parts of being connected to Rocky River, for me, is the immense responsibility that comes with stewarding the next generation of Pirates. For more than a century, our schools have served as launching pads for young people who have gone on to make a difference in their communities and change the world. At the same time, our schools have provided a thread of connection that binds generations of families and our entire community together. That is something we should be incredibly proud of.

As we celebrate Kensington’s 100th anniversary, I believe we should also reflect on what it means to be stewards of this community. Stewardship means understanding that what has been entrusted to us is bigger than any one person or any one generation. Our responsibility is not simply to preserve what has been given to us. It is to care for it, strengthen it, and build upon it so that those who come after us inherit something even stronger.

The story of Kensington is ultimately the story of people. It is the story of students, families, teachers, staff members, administrators, and community members who have invested their time, energy, and hearts into Rocky River City Schools.

This milestone gives us an opportunity to celebrate that history and honor those who have shaped it. It also gives us an opportunity to look forward.

The students who walk through our doors today will help shape the next 100 years of Rocky River. Our work is to provide them with the foundation, opportunities, relationships, and sense of belonging they need to carry that story forward.

One hundred years ago, a school was built in Rocky River. Today, we celebrate the community that was built around it. And tomorrow, we continue the work of building thoughtfully toward the next 100 years of Rocky River City Schools.

Thank you for your continued partnership in creating and sustaining a culture of stewardship in River. Most importantly, thank you for helping make our schools places where generations of Pirates can learn, grow, connect, and build memories that last a lifetime.

With Pirate Pride,

Adham

Today, the State of Ohio released the 2025–2026 State Report Cards, and I am proud to share that Rocky River City Schools has once again earned the state’s highest rating, a five-star district.

This is an accomplishment worth celebrating. More importantly, it reflects the collective commitment of our students, teachers, support staff, administrators, families, and community to providing an exceptional educational experience for every student. You can review the state report cards here: Ohio State Report Cards

When we look at this year’s results, we can see the impact of intentional work over the past several years. Our continued focus on literacy, thoughtful curriculum development and implementation, an aligned mathematics curriculum in grades K-8, and targeted professional development are helping strengthen teaching and learning across our schools.

That progress does not happen by accident, nor does it happen in isolation. It is the result of talented and dedicated educators working together, students embracing the challenge of learning, families supporting their children, and a community that believes deeply in our schools. I am grateful to everyone who contributes to this work each day.

At the same time, a five-star rating does not mean our work is finished.

One of the things I value most about Rocky River City Schools is our commitment to continuous improvement. We can celebrate what we have accomplished while also asking ourselves an important question: How can we continue to improve?

The Report Card provides an opportunity to reflect on our progress, identify areas for growth, and establish intentional goals for the year ahead. Each year, our building and district leadership teams work alongside teachers and staff to examine our results, consider what our students need most, and determine where we can make the greatest impact.

That cycle of celebrating, reflecting, learning, and growing is an important part of who we are as a district. It keeps us focused not only on where we are today, but on where we can go next.

While the State Report Card provides an important measure of academic performance, it is only one part of the Rocky River experience. That is why we are also sharing our annual Quality Profile later today. 

The Quality Profile provides a broader and more holistic look at our schools and the many ways we support the growth and development of our students. We believe education is about more than what happens inside a classroom. It is about creating opportunities for students to learn, lead, explore their interests, build relationships, and discover something they are passionate about.

Whether performing on a stage, competing on a field, participating in a club, creating something new, serving others, or pursuing one of the many other opportunities available throughout our schools, these experiences matter.

One statistic that continues to impress me is that 80% of our students in grades 9–12 participate in a club, athletic team, or activity. And even that number does not capture the many opportunities available to students at Goldwood Primary, Kensington Intermediate School and Rocky River Middle School.

These experiences help students find their people, build confidence, develop leadership skills, discover new interests, and feel a sense of belonging. Those connections are an important part of what makes a school community strong.

I encourage you to take some time to review both the 2025–2026 State Report Card and our Quality Profile. Together, they provide a meaningful picture of Rocky River City Schools, both the results we are achieving and, just as importantly, the experiences we are creating for our students.

There is much to celebrate, and there is always more to accomplish.

Thank you to our students, staff, families, and community for your continued partnership and for the pride you bring to Rocky River City Schools. I am grateful for the opportunity to work alongside you in the most important work we do: helping our students learn, grow, and thrive.

And as always, Go Pirates!

With Pirate Pride,
Adham Schirg

Yesterday, I had the privilege and honor to welcome back our staff for the 2026-2027 school year. Our theme for this year is “You are the Anchor”. Below is the message I shared with them and would like to share with our community as well. Have a great year and Go Pirates!!

“Now I would like to introduce our theme for the 2026–2027 school year. 

You Are the Anchor.

After hearing about our Five Pirate Expectations, you may be asking one final question:

What does a person who lives these expectations become?

They become the anchor.

Every great ship has anchors.

Rocky River City Schools has hundreds of them.

Every person in this room has the opportunity to anchor a student’s experience.

Every day, you build relationships.

You create connections.

You provide encouragement.

You remind students that they belong.

Those moments become the anchors that connect our students to their schools and to one another.

But when we think about an anchor, it does so much more than simply connect a ship.

An anchor provides stability during uncertainty.

It keeps a ship from drifting.

It creates safety during storms.

And it allows others to explore with confidence because they know something is holding them steady.

That is what you do.

You provide stability.

You provide consistency.

You provide belonging.

You create environments where students feel safe enough to learn, grow, take risks, and discover who they are becoming.

You are the anchor.

When a student is anxious…

you are the anchor.

When a family needs reassurance…

you are the anchor.

When a colleague needs encouragement…

you are the anchor.

When a child needs one adult who believes in them…

you are the anchor.

That’s who you are.

We cannot control every storm our students or schools will face.

But we can decide who we will be when those storms arrive.

We will be the anchor.

Over the past year, I have seen hundreds of examples of people serving as anchors across Rocky River City Schools.

Today, I want to recognize just a few who represent the incredible work happening in every building across our district.

First, our Beach Preschool staff.

For many families, Beach is their very first experience with Rocky River City Schools.

Our Beach staff welcomes our youngest Pirates with warmth, patience, and care. They build trust, create belonging, and provide a foundation that lasts long after preschool.

They are the first anchor in a family’s journey through our district.

At Goldwood Primary School, Mr. Brian Salco is an anchor.

The environment he creates for students every day is engaging, caring, and full of joy.

His impact does not stop at Goldwood. Through his continued connection with our boys soccer program, he builds relationships that span years.

He provides consistency.

He provides connection.

He provides the steady presence that separates Rocky River from others.

At Kensington Intermediate, Scott Raiff is an anchor.

I have joked that Scott is the Pied Piper of education – and I still think he gives away far too many Jolly Ranchers.

But behind the candy is someone who shows up for students and families every single day.

He provides encouragement.

He provides support.

He provides steadiness.

That is the definition of an anchor.

At Rocky River Middle School, Kelly Baiera is an anchor.

This example is personal for me.

Last year, my youngest daughter, Miriam, entered Rocky River Middle School as a new student. 

Like many students navigating a transition, she experienced moments of uncertainty.

Kelly believed in her.

Kelly invested in her.

Kelly created opportunities for her to grow.

She became that steady presence every child hopes to find when they need someone in their corner.

For that,our family will always be grateful.

And finally, at Rocky River High School, Lisa Borgia is an anchor.

Lisa is an anchor not only for students, but for our staff as well.

She is a trusted colleague.

She is a thoughtful leader.

She is someone students and staff seek advice, guidance, and expertise from. 

She is seen as a leader by both her students and colleagues which is the ultimate testament to the type of educator, and more importantly, person she is. 

The people we recognized today are just five examples.

The truth is, there are hundreds more sitting in this room.

Every classroom.

Every office.

Every bus.

Every cafeteria.

Every playground.

Every practice field.

Every performance stage.

Every department.

Every day.

You are the anchor.

As we begin this school year together, I hope you recognize the incredible responsibility and privilege that comes with that role.

You are the person who provides stability.

You are the person who creates belonging.

You are the person who believes in growth.

You are the person who communicates with care.

And above all else…

You are the person who cares about kids.

Because that is where our expectations begin.

And that is where they end.

When we live our Five Pirate Expectations, we become the anchors our students deserve.

Thank you for choosing a profession where people change lives.

Thank you for being the anchor our students need.

Now let’s go write the next chapter of Rocky River City Schools – together.

Have a wonderful school year. And as always, Go Pirates!” 

– With Pirate Pride,

Adham

This summer, our family has had the opportunity to enjoy quite a few adventures together. We traveled out west, drove the Pacific Coast Highway, hiked to see sea lions, dipped our toes into the freezing cold Pacific Ocean, and made plenty of memories along the way.

More recently, my wife and I took a long weekend trip to Ohiopyle State Park in the Laurel Highlands of southwestern Pennsylvania. Our weekend was filled with hiking, exploring, and, of course, some whitewater rafting.

Any trip to that part of the country provides an opportunity for some whitewater fun, and we decided to take advantage of it by rafting the Lower Youghiogheny River, part of the larger Youghiogheny River system. The Lower Youghiogheny includes a combination of Class 3 and Class 4 rapids, providing plenty of excitement and just enough challenge to keep you focused.

It was quite a day.

We navigated rapids, got pinned up against Decapitator Rock, and even got “bathtubbed” at one point. There was a moment when my wife actually saved my life (her words, not mine:-) by pulling me back into the raft. We cliff-dived, laughed a lot, and ultimately had an incredible experience together.

We love these kinds of adventures because they push us outside our comfort zones, create memories, and, perhaps most importantly, teach us something.

As I reflected on our day on the river, I couldn’t help but think about how much whitewater rafting has in common with navigating a school year.

To be successful on the river, you need to work as a team. You need to communicate. You need to pay attention to what is directly in front of you. You need to trust the people around you. And perhaps most importantly, you need to believe that you can navigate whatever comes next.

The same is true in a school system.

There will be stretches of smooth water when everything seems to be moving exactly as planned. There will also be rough water, unexpected obstacles, and moments when the current feels a little stronger than anticipated. There will be opportunities to take risks, try something new, and occasionally jump off a cliff, literally or figuratively.

But through all of it, we don’t navigate the river alone.

That is one of the things I value most about being part of our school community. Success is rarely about one person having all of the answers. It is about people working together, communicating openly, supporting one another, and being willing to jump in when someone needs a hand.

For me, leadership is deeply rooted in relationships. It is about being present, being approachable, listening to others, and building the kind of trust that allows a team to navigate challenging moments together. When the water gets rough, people need to know that they are not alone. They need to know that the people around them have their backs.

That is the kind of school community we are in River. 

Whether you are a student, a parent, a staff member, or a community member, we all have a role in helping our school district move forward. When we lean in together, communicate honestly, support one another, and paddle in the same direction, there is very little we cannot accomplish.

As we approach another school year, I know there will be smooth stretches, rough water, unexpected turns, and plenty of excitement. There will be challenges, but there will also be countless opportunities to grow, learn, take risks, and celebrate one another.

And just like rafting, the journey is better when we experience it together.

I hope you are able to enjoy these final days of summer break. I hope that, over the past several weeks, you have had the opportunity to make memories, enjoy some adventures, and perhaps learn a few lessons along the way.

I cannot wait to navigate another school year alongside each of you. I look forward to welcoming all of our Pirates back over the coming weeks and beginning another great journey together.

Here’s to another great school year in Rocky River City Schools.

And as always, Go Pirates!

With Pirate Pride,

Adham

Welcome to August! Over the next several weeks, our schools will begin to come back to life as we welcome students, staff, and families back for the 2026–2027 school year. High school band camp is underway, fall athletics are officially beginning, and our teachers and support staff are returning to prepare for another year of learning, growth, and connection. This is truly one of my favorite times of the year!

Every new school year brings a renewed sense of hope and possibility. It provides a fresh start for all of us as we begin another journey focused on relationships, growth, and meaningful experiences. While we are excited about the many opportunities already planned for the year ahead, some of the most impactful moments are often the ones that emerge because of the creativity, dedication, and passion of our students, teachers, and support staff. Our hallways will soon be filled with energy, curiosity, and the excitement that makes Rocky River City Schools such a special place.

This year, we are especially excited to welcome several new members to our Rocky River City Schools family. We are thrilled to welcome our new high school principal, Mrs. Carrie Knapp, as well as our new middle school assistant principal and athletic director, Mr. Austin Handrych. We are grateful for the experience, leadership, and enthusiasm they bring to our district, and we look forward to the positive impact they will have on our students, staff, and community.

As we prepare for the start of the school year, I want to express my sincere appreciation to our maintenance and custodial teams for the tremendous work taking place across our schools. Over the summer months, these dedicated team members have worked tirelessly to prepare our classrooms, hallways, and building exteriors for the return of our students and staff. Their attention to detail and commitment to creating welcoming learning environments are deeply appreciated.

In addition to the daily work of preparing our schools, several larger projects continue to move toward completion as we welcome everyone back to campus, including our turf project. We appreciate the patience and partnership of our community as these important projects are finalized.

As we approach the start of the school year, there are many opportunities for our community to reconnect and celebrate the excitement of a new year together. Please take a moment to visit our Back-to-School Hub for important information and upcoming dates. We also hope you will join us for the Booster Bash on August 11th. Immediately following the Booster Bash, students and their families are invited to gather outside the stadium to welcome Mrs. Knapp to River, connect with fellow Pirate families, and enjoy ice cream from the Prayers for Maria Ice Cream Wagon as we kick off the 2026-2027 school year together. 

While we are excited about what lies ahead, we also encourage everyone to enjoy these final days of summer. Take time to relax, recharge, and create memories with family and friends. The beginning of a new school year is always filled with anticipation, opportunity, and possibility, and we cannot wait to welcome everyone back.

Thank you for being such an important part of the Rocky River City Schools community. We are excited for another incredible year together.

Welcome to August! Go Pirates!

With Pirate Pride,

Adham

In the fall of 2025, the Rocky River City School District Board of Education formally adopted a Legislative Platform to guide our advocacy efforts and communicate the priorities that matter most to our students, staff, families, and community. As we look ahead to the upcoming legislative session and the important policy discussions that will continue throughout the fall, these positions remain key priorities for both the Board of Education and district leadership. We are committed to working collaboratively with our state legislators and education partners to advocate for policies that support strong public schools, preserve local decision-making, ensure fiscal stability, and provide every student with access to a caring, exceptional, and competitive educational experience.

As we head into the summer months and look ahead toward the eventual lame-duck session, our Board wanted to share the key pillars of our RRCSD Legislative Platform. We hope these priorities provide district-level context regarding the issues that impact our ability to deliver a caring, exceptional, and competitive education.

Here are specific items we are sharing heading into the next several months of legislation:

Property Tax Reform & Financial Predictability

We support policy measures that increase property tax relief—such as expanding homestead exemptions for senior citizens and implementing “circuit breakers” based on income—provided that these measures do not diminish existing or future funding for K-12 education. However, as close to 80% of our general operating revenue comes from local property tax revenues, attempts to cap cash reserves, restrict local taxation, or allow the reduction, appeal, or diversion of voter-approved tax revenues and inside millage put our district at serious risk, particularly given how little we receive in state funding. Local fiscal stability is essential for our long-term planning.

We are hopeful that the provisions of House Bill 479 will help clarify the property tax reform package passed last fall, and we are pleased to see that the legislation provides targeted tax relief to homeowners while reimbursing schools and local governments for forgone revenue. At the same time, we remain concerned about pending reforms, including HB 504, given that the impact of recently enacted legislation has yet to be fully understood.

Strong and Equitable State Funding

We remain advocates for a fully implemented and consistently funded Fair School Funding Plan that reflects the true operational costs and unique needs of public school students.

Voucher Accountability and Public Dollars

As public funds are increasingly utilized for nonpublic education, we firmly oppose the expansion of voucher programs that divert state dollars away from public schools. We believe that any private institution accepting public tuition dollars should be held to the same academic, financial, operational, and reporting standards that public schools proudly meet every day.

We are encouraged by the introduction of and hearings related to House Bill 715 and welcome the opportunity to share specific data and examples that may be helpful in advancing that legislation.

Ending Unfunded Mandates

New state compliance requirements can strain local classrooms and budgets. We urge that any future legislative mandates be paired with full and adequate funding so local resources are not stretched beyond their capacity. We will be planning carefully given the provisions of Senate Bill 19 and will be happy to share information regarding the increased operating costs associated with implementing the requirements of that legislation.

Preserving Local Governance

We strongly support the rights of locally elected boards of education to make curriculum, operational, and educational programming decisions with the direct input of local staff, parents, and community members. We are concerned about the growing number of bills that mandate specific curriculum and course requirements for local school districts, including the inclusion of the Success Sequence in SB 156.

We are also concerned about the provision in SB 311 regarding the disposition of unused property. RRCSD currently maintains the Wooster School property as an unused school facility and leases the building to the Cleveland Clinic, providing a stable revenue stream for the district. Rocky River is a landlocked community with virtually no remaining opportunities for future development. As we explore a long-term master facilities plan, being required to dispose of unused property would significantly limit our ability to meet future facility needs and ensure that students continue learning in state-of-the-art educational environments. In the immediate term, it would also require the district to terminate a lease agreement that currently provides reliable revenue to support our educational mission.

It is critically important for our community to remain engaged in the state legislative issues that directly impact Rocky River City Schools. Through ongoing advocacy and continued engagement with legislators, educational organizations, and community partners, we can help advance policies that support local control, provide adequate and sustainable funding, and strengthen the educational experiences of our students, staff, and families. Public education is strongest when communities work together to make their voices heard.

Thank you for your continued partnership, engagement, and advocacy on behalf of Rocky River City Schools and the students we are privileged to serve.

With Pirate Pride,

The Rocky River Board of Education

Adham Schirg, Superintendent, RRCS

Happy Summer Rocky River!

For many of our students and families, summer is less than a week old. As soon as we wrapped up the school year with students and the majority of our staff late last week, our schools shifted into summer mode.

While many instructional programs pause during the summer months, the work of preparing for a successful school year never stops. Across Rocky River City Schools, our teams are already hard at work preparing for the 2026-2027 school year and positioning our district for the future.

This summer is no exception. Here are three important areas of focus you’ll hear more about in the coming months.

Transition to PowerSchool

Our transition from ProgressBook to PowerSchool is well underway.

Student information systems play a critical role in how schools communicate grades, attendance, schedules, progress monitoring, and other important information with students, families, and staff. As we prepare for the start of the 2026-2027 school year, families can expect regular updates throughout the summer.

While transitions of this size are rarely seamless, we are committed to communicating early and often to ensure a smooth experience for everyone involved. Over time, PowerSchool will provide enhanced functionality and improved service across our district. Please watch for additional communications from both the district and your child’s school throughout the summer.

Investing in Our Facilities

Summer also provides an opportunity to complete important facility improvement projects across the district.

The most visible projects this year will be the replacement of the high school’s stadium turf and the installation of new stadium lighting. Both projects were approved by the Board of Education earlier this year and are scheduled to begin later this month. We anticipate completion before the start of the fall athletic season.

In addition, we will complete several other capital improvement projects, including HVAC upgrades, roofing improvements, parking lot maintenance, and numerous smaller projects throughout our learning spaces. These investments help us maintain safe, welcoming, and high-quality environments for students and staff while continuing to be responsible stewards of community resources.

Leadership Transitions

Summer also brings important leadership transitions. We are excited to welcome new leaders to Rocky River City Schools while supporting current leaders as they move into new roles.

Most visibly, we are pleased to welcome Mrs. Carrie Knapp as the next principal of Rocky River High School. Mrs. Knapp joins us from Highland High School, where she served as principal for the past nine years and helped lead significant academic, co-curricular, and extracurricular success. Throughout the selection process, her passion for education and commitment to building strong relationships with students, staff, and families stood out. She has already begun her transition into the district and will continue that work throughout the summer. We encourage our community to take advantage of opportunities to connect with her in the coming months. We are thrilled to welcome Mrs. Knapp to River and excited that she will soon be a Pirate.

We are also excited that Mr. Patrick Coleman, our current Director of Educational Technology, will transition into the role of Executive Director of Human Resources and Operations. Patrick’s experience as a principal and district leader, combined with his deep connection to Rocky River and commitment to our schools, uniquely position him to continue the important work taking place within our Human Resources and Operations departments. We are excited to support him in this new role.

We also have several additional positions currently being filled and will continue to update our community as those processes progress throughout the summer. Welcoming new staff into the River community is very exciting and we will work together to support our school community members.

Looking Ahead to 2026-2027

We hope your summer is safe, enjoyable, and filled with opportunities to relax and recharge.

While our buildings may appear quieter than they do during the school year, a tremendous amount of work is happening behind the scenes. From preparing for PowerSchool and completing facility improvements to welcoming new leaders, our team is hard at work laying the foundation for a successful 2026-2027 school year.

We will continue to provide updates on these initiatives and other district developments throughout the summer. Thank you for your continued partnership and support of Rocky River City Schools. We look forward to welcoming everyone back in August and building on the momentum of another great year at River.

With Pirate Pride,

Adham

Dear Class of 2026,

Forever.

That word echoes through the minds of so many parents and families as they welcome a child into the world. For many of your families, 2007 or 2008 was the year you came into their lives. It was a moment that changed everything forever.

Back then, the year 2026 felt impossibly far away. It seemed like a distant point somewhere far beyond imagination. But time is funny like that. What once felt like forever has passed in the blink of an eye. That blink held your first steps, your first games, your first days of kindergarten. It held birthdays, family trips, new homes, new friendships, and, more recently, keys in your hands as you learned to drive.

And then came this year filled with so many lasts. Your last first day of school. Senior Night. Senior Prom. The Senior Trip. A final season, a final performance, a final walk through the hallways.

Forever is an instant. And yet, forever is also a lifetime.

The Class of 2026 knows what forever means. It means love for your classmates. It means legacies written on athletic fields, on stages, and in classrooms. It means leaving things better than you found them. It means forming friendships and relationships that do not end with a diploma; they last a lifetime. They last forever.

On May 31, you will join a prestigious group. You will become Rocky River alumni. That title is forever, too. And with it comes a powerful tradition. Rocky River graduates have gone on to impact the world in ways both big and small, and there is no doubt the Class of 2026 will do the same.

As you take your next steps, carry the lessons you have learned here with you: hard work, integrity, compassion, and the commitment to becoming your best self each day. These values will serve you well wherever life takes you. And never forget that investing in your community, pouring into others the way others have poured into you, makes all of us stronger.

Your class has lifted this community in ways that words can barely capture. You have lifted one another through triumphs and challenges alike. As you cross that stage and begin this next chapter, make the most of your forever.

For your families, this forever has passed in a blink.

Congratulations, Class of 2026. Rocky River is incredibly proud of you.

With Pirate Pride,

Mr. Schirg

The deep pride and tradition that define the Rocky River community resonate with me each day. They reflect a shared understanding, held by students, staff, families, and community members, that our schools are part of something much larger than the present moment. They are connected to generations of River students and families who have helped shape who we are today.

That pride is visible throughout our schools. It lives in buildings like Kensington and Beach School. It can be seen in the photos of teams in the high school gymnasium, the plaques and recognitions that mark important milestones, the trophy cases that capture achievement, and the countless stories passed down over time. These are more than displays. They are reminders of the people and experiences that have built the foundation we stand on today.

As we recognize Teacher Appreciation Week across our state and nation, I find myself returning to that same idea of foundation. While every member of our staff plays an essential role in supporting our students, our teachers are truly the cornerstones upon which everything else is built.

Our teachers are champions for children. They believe in growth and invest that belief into every student they serve. Teaching is far more than delivering content; it is about building trust, creating space, and ensuring that every child feels seen and supported. On any given day, our teachers step into a wide range of roles – educator, mentor, listener, encourager, and sometimes even entertainer. They meet students where they are, whether that means leading a lesson, celebrating a success, or sitting beside a child who simply needs someone to understand.

I was reminded of this recently when a teacher was asked, “What is the biggest challenge students face today?” Her response was simple: “It depends on which student is sitting in front of me.” That perspective captures what makes our teachers so exceptional. They see each child as an individual and respond with care, professionalism, and purpose.

Over the course of this week, there will be many well-deserved expressions of appreciation for our teachers. Those gestures matter, and they are appreciated. At the same time, I would encourage all of us to carry that appreciation forward beyond this week. Our teachers need strong, consistent support. That looks like advocating for policies that strengthen public education, sharing the positive impact they have on students, and helping others better understand the complexity and importance of their work.

To our teachers, thank you. The impact you have on our students and our community is lasting and meaningful.

To our entire staff, we are fortunate that you choose to serve in Rocky River. You make a difference in the lives of our students each and every day.

And to our families and community, your ongoing support is both noticed and deeply appreciated. It is one of the many reasons our schools remain a source of pride.

This is how we continue to build and honor our history, pride, and culture of excellence here in Rocky River.

With Pirate Pride,
Adham