Rome Elementary Schools -

May 16, 2024

Dear John E. Joy Families,

As May comes to a close and we approach the final month of the school year, I find myself reflecting on the accomplishments I'm proud of and the areas I need to improve. I'm fortunate to work with faculty and staff who share a vision for school improvement and are dedicated to ensuring that we meet the needs of every student at John E. Joy Elementary School. It's a rare privilege to come to work knowing that the passion and commitment to student education are shared by everyone, creating a contagious spirit that permeates our school.

I am particularly grateful for our PTG's unwavering dedication and the incredible Faculty and Staff Appreciation event they organized. Their efforts were truly remarkable, and I cannot thank them enough.

Reflecting on my administrative journey, I remember coming to Rome with a purpose: to start a new chapter as your principal while completing a significant personal milestone. On May 18, I will graduate with a Doctorate in Education in Administration and Supervision from Fordham University in the Bronx. My goal wasn't to acquire a title, though being called Dr. Daino is nice, but to continue my education and deepen my understanding of the field I love, education.

With 18 years in education—10 as a teacher and 8 and beyond as a principal—I feel privileged to be a building principal. As I complete my District Leadership Certification, I contemplate what's next for my educational journey. One of my long-standing goals is to become fluent in multiple languages, particularly Italian and Spanish, which I currently speak to a limited extent. I hope to achieve this, reminding students that education should never cease. It should continually refine our abilities and help us grow beyond who we are today. This aspiration may be the next chapter for me as I think about the future.

Please take note of the following essential dates and information:

1. PTG Meeting: May 20, June 4, and June 18 at 5:30 PM

2. Spring Concert: May 21 will be held in Strough Middle School at 6:00 PM.

3. Emergency Closure Day: On May 24 school will be closed

4. Memorial Day: School will be closed on May 27. Classes will resume on May 28

5. Fun Day: June 11; Rain date is June 20

6. Step-Up Ceremony: June 12 at 2 PM in the gymnasium

7. Juneteenth: School will be closed on June 19. Classes will resume on June 20

8. Half-Day: June 14, 21, and 25.

   1. On this day, dismissal is 12:40-12:45 PM. Also, on all half days, we will not be serving breakfast to students and will only be serving lunch. Our goal is to have all buses loaded by 12:40 in order to dismiss the buses by 12:45 PM.

      1. For the Parent Pick-Up Door:

         1. First Grade Students and their siblings will be dismissed from 12:25-12:30 PM

         2. Second and Third Grade Students and their siblings will be dismissed from 12:30-12:35 PM

         3. Kindergarten Students and their siblings will be dismissed from 12:35-12:40 PM

         4. Fourth through Sixth Grade Students will be dismissed from 12:40-12:45 PM

9. Trimester III: 

   1. Ends on June 17

   2. Report cards will be available on June 25

Wishing you a wonderful rest of May and an excellent June as we approach the end of the school year.

Sincerely,
Dr. James A. Daino
Principal